2 research outputs found
HIV/AIDS and TB knowledge and beliefs among rural traditional health practitioners in Limpopo Province, South Africa
HIV/AIDS and TB infections are major health problems in South Africa. Approximately two
thirds of infected patients consult traditional health practitioners (THPs) to manage opportunistic
infections. This study seeks to assess HIV/AIDS and TB related knowledge and beliefs among
traditional health practitioners in Limpopo Province. A quantitative cross-sectional study was
conducted to assess knowledge and beliefs on HIV/AIDS and TB infections among group of
THPs attending training workshops in Limpopo Province, between December 2013 and May
2014. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Most THPs were not educated. Majority
were women at senior citizens level with more than two decades of working experience. They
had adequate knowledge of HIV/AIDS and TB transmission, signs and symptoms. Of great
concern were the prevailing myths and beliefs that HIV/AIDS and TB patients were bewitched;
there is cure for HIV/AIDS and THPs have muthi (traditional medicine) and herbs capable of
curing it. We recommend that tailor-made HIV/AIDS and TB health education targeting THPs
beliefs; and training workshops on signs and symptoms of HIV/AIDS and TB be initiated
urgently.South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and National Health Scholarship Programme (NHSP).http://www.ajol.info/journal_index.php?jid=153&ab=ajpherd2017-10-31hb201
Knowledge and beliefs about oral pseudomembranous candidiasis among traditional health practitioners in Limpopo Province, South Africa
INTRODUCTION : Oral pseudomembranous candidiasis
(OPC) is commonly associated with immunosuppression
caused by HIV/AIDS and TB infections. The knowledge
and beliefs about OPC among traditional health practitioners
in South Africa are not well explored.
PURPOSE : To investigate this concern.
METHODS : A cross-sectional descriptive survey was
conducted in the rural Vhembe district of the Limpopo
Province. Data were collected from 427 traditional health
practitioners who were to attend training workshops
on HIV/AIDS and TB diseases. An open-ended semistructured
questionnaire with an A4 colour picture of
oral pseudomembranous candidiasis was presented to
assess their previous exposure to, and their knowledge
and beliefs about, the etiology and management of OPC.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION : Only thirteen percent correctly
identified the lesion. More than 64% were uncertain on
etiology, and 24% blamed witchcraft and supernatural
powers. Almost two thirds (60%) were confused about the
relationship between HIV/AIDS and OPC lesions.
The belief that witchcraft and ancestors could cause
OPC could increase the risk of HIV infections and result in
delays in seeking treatment. The outcomes of this study
should be incorporated in the training of the traditional
health practitioners on oral signs and symptoms of HIV/
AIDS diseases.The South African Medical Research Council
(SAMRC) and National Health Scholarship Programme (NHSP).http://www.sada.co.zaam2016Nursing ScienceSchool of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH