An assessment of IEC given to HIV and AIDS patients in medical clinic at UTH.

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to assess the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) given to HIV/AIDS patients in University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and was carried out to determine whether patients are given IEC during their subsequent visits to the hospital The objectives of the study were to assess the content of IEC given to HIV and AIDS patients during the pre-testing counselling session and subsequent visits, determine the frequency at which HIV and AIDS patients received IEC and to determine factors influencing adherence to IEC. A descriptive study was conducted in September, 2007. The study was done on patients attending reviews in the Medical Clinic, particularly, those who are HIV positive. A total number of 50 HIV/AIDS patients were selected using simple random sampling method, while the study site was selected using purposive sampling technique. Data was collected by use of a structured interview schedule from 23rd September to 3rd October, 2007. When interviewed on what patients were taught on HIV and AIDS and how frequently did they receive IEC on HIV issues during the subsequent reviews, 54% had inadequate IEC and 58% had received IEC only once on the initial visit to the clinic.