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