ASSESSMENT OF THE PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS TOWARDS THE MANAGEMENT OF HIV/AIDS PATIENTS IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL BENIN CITY.

Background: Healthcare workers play a crucial role in the management of HIV/AIDS patients, yet their perceptions and attitudes towards these patients can significantly impact the quality of care provided. Understanding healthcare workers' perceptions and attitudes is essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. This study aimed to assess the perception and attitude of healthcare workers towards the management of HIV/AIDS patients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital in Benin City. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the perception and attitude of healthcare workers towards the management of HIV/AIDS patients. Specifically, the study sought to identify any knowledge gaps, perceptions, attitudes and factors that may influence the quality of care provided to HIV/AIDS patients. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, and a multistage random sampling technique was used to select 155 healthcare workers from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire designed to gather primary qualitative data on healthcare workers' perceptions and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS patient management. Results: The findings revealed that good knowledge was demonstrated by 41% of healthcare workers regarding the management of HIV/AIDS patients, while 27% had moderate knowledge, and 32% had poor knowledge. Knowledge gaps were identified, with 62.6% of workers unaware of potential side effects associated with antiretroviral regimens and 67.1% lacking awareness of new drugs. Additionally, 56.1% of surveyed healthcare workers mentioned they would inappropriately withdraw treatment in case of complications instead of seeking assistance or adjusting medication. Positive perceptions towards HIV/AIDS patient management were held by 74.2% of healthcare workers, but a significant proportion (43%) exhibited negative attitudes, particularly towards providing direct care or working in HIV/AIDS units. Factors influencing accessibility of care included limited drug supply (90.3%), insufficient funding (85.2%), patient non-compliance (89.0%), discrimination from staff (71.0%), low socio-economic status of patients (80.0%), and limited laboratory resources for viral load detection (82.6%). Discussion: The findings indicate critical areas for improvement in healthcare workers' knowledge and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS management. Although a substantial proportion of healthcare workers demonstrated good knowledge, significant gaps remain, particularly regarding side effects of antiretroviral therapy and awareness of new medications. The lack of awareness about potential side effects could lead to inadequate patient counseling and compromised treatment adherence. The high percentage of workers who might incorrectly withdraw treatment during complications underscores a serious knowledge deficit that could adversely affect patient safety and management. Positive perceptions held by the majority of healthcare workers are promising, yet the notable proportion exhibiting negative attitudes especially towards direct care tasks and working in HIV/AIDS units reveals underlying issues that need to be addressed. Negative attitudes may stem from fear of occupational exposure, stigma, or insufficient training, potentially leading to discrimination and reluctance to provide care. Factors such as limited drug supply, insufficient funding, and socio-economic barriers further complicate the delivery of care. Discrimination from staff and family members exacerbates these. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of addressing knowledge gaps and promoting positive attitudes among healthcare workers to improve the quality of care provided to HIV/AIDS patients. Targeted interventions, including educational programs, training workshops, and organizational support, are recommended to enhance healthcare workers' knowledge and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS patient management. By fostering a supportive environment and promoting non-discriminatory practices, healthcare institutions can ensure optimal care for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.