Postgraduate Institute of Medicine: Colombo University

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Browsing Postgraduate Institute of Medicine: Colombo University by Subject "Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome"

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    Estimate of human immuno deficiency virus infections utilizing the sexual behavioural pattern among selected high vulnerable groups in Colombo district and the explantation for the gap between reported and estimated cases in Sri Lanka.
    (Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM., 2002) Saravanapavananthan, PT
    The study concluded that a fertile ground is laid for the spread of HIV infections in Sri Lanka with the high prevalence of risky sexual behaviours such as multiple partners, low level of condom use among the high vulnerable groups and increase in the number of herpes simplex virus infection that promote the transmission of HIV infection.The study revealed that up to now, the HIV infection has not had a measurable impact on mortality. The reason for the present discrepancy among the reported and estimated cases of HIV would be incorrect estimates, low reporting of cases and poor case detection. A sexual behavioural surveillance system, particularly in the FSWs, clients of sex workers and MSMs and a sexual behavour survey among the general population is recommended. The data can be incorporated into the present simulation model to estimate and project cumulative HIV infections in Sri Lanka.The mortality on HIV related deaths and trends in STIs need to be monitored regularly in order to detect an increase in the trends, which will be a signal of an impending epidemic.
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    Knowledge and attitudes about HIV/AIDS among secondary school teachers within the Kandy municipal limits
    (Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM ., 1997) VASUDEVAN, M
    A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out to determine the knowledge and attitude about Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) among secondary school teachers within Kandy Municipal limits. A self administered questionnaire was administered to 350 teachers in secondary schools. Response rate was 88.57 percent. The results showed that on the whole there was a high degree of awareness about the illness and a satisfactory level of knowledge pertaining to the nature of agent and sources of infection. There were marked deficiencies in knowledge on transmission and prevention of AIDS. The knowledge about transmission and prevention was significantly higher in Science stream teachers than in Arts stream teachers. A significant difference was found in knowledge scores according to the educational level and work experience. Less experienced teachers were more knowledgeable than experienced teachers. The general attitude of teachers towards people with AIDS was favorable. A significant difference was found in attitude scores according to the study stream. It was higher in Science stream teachers than Art stream teachers. This study calls for more focus on misconceptions related to AIDS in health education campaigns.
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    Knowledge, attitudes and practices of nursing services staff Colombo South General Hospital on HIV infection/AIDS
    (Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM ., 1995) SABARATNAM, SD
    240 Staff Nurses from the Colombo South General Hospital were interviewed to assess whether they have adequate knowledge, positive attitudes and good Practices to care for HIV infection / AIDS patients with out fear and prejudice. Two groups, the recently passed out Nurses (less than 10 years work experience) and older Nurses (more than 10 years work experience) were compared to see whether there was significant difference in their knowledge, on HIV infection / AIDS. It was found that the overall knowledge on HIV infection / AIDS was inadequate. But the younger Nurses were significantly better than the older Nurses. P \< 0.05. Most of the Nurses had negative attitudes towards HIV / AIDS patients, their right and ethical issues. There was no significant difference between the younger and older nurses in their attitudes. Younger nurses were biased by older nursed attitudes and social prejudices. Practice of Universal precautions were poor among all nurses with no significant difference between the two groups. Nurses attributed this lack to unavailability of masks gowns, and gloves. All these factors highlight the necessity of a clinically orientated continuous education programmers for Nurses to upgrade their knowledge, attitudes and Practices. In addition providing them with the necessary equipment is also important.
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    Preventive aspect of sexual transmission of sexually transmitted diseases \& acquired immune deficiency syndrome in a high risk population
    (Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM ., 1996) BUDDHAKORALA, K
    A cross sectional comparative study was carried out during July 1994 to August 1995 between a population with high risk sexual behaviour in the tourist trade at Hikkaduwa and a matched working group. The study group (SG) consisted of 452 males with high risk sexual behaviour. The control group (CG) was matched for age, marital status, and occupation. A similar number of respondents was interviewed from the control group which came for pre-employment medical examination to the Central STD Clinic Colombo. The objectives of the study were to compare the knowledge on STD/AIDS, to measure some priority prevention indicators, to measure 4 predictor variables in the sexual risk reduction behaviour model, and to assess attitudes towards condom use. Interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to collect information. Three interviewers, ,ales who were students from the department of Sociology, Sri Jayawardenapura University were recruited and given adequate training on the questionnaire. They interviewed both groups. Data was processed and analysed using the software package Epiinfor -5. The four predictor variables of the model of sexual risk feduction behaviour i.e., perceived personal vulnerability, worry, homophobia and high risk sexual behaviour were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group. Sexual risk reduction behaviour was also significantly higher in the study group. The number of non-regular sexual partners during previous 12 months was significantly higher in the study group. the use of drugs especially the injectable type was more in the SG. Nearly 100 percent in both groups had heard of AIDS but more detailed knowledge was better among the SG. The knowledge on the use of a condom both for prevention of pregnency and AIDS was significantly higher in the study group. The sexual activity based on number of persons having ever had one or more sexual encounters and the number of sexual acts with the most recent casual sexual partner was more among the control group than the study group. But the number of casual sexual partners during previous 12 months was higher in the SG. In conclusion, the study population has been identified to have significantly higher sexual risk reduction behaviour.
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    STD/AID risk reduction:a community health education interention for youth living in slum and shanty settlements within the city of Colombo.
    (Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM ., 1996) RAJAPAKSA, RMPLI
    The objective of this study were to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to STD and AIDS among youth living in slum and shanty communities in the city of Colombo and to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program in changing these. This study was carried out in three phases. In phase one, a descriptive cross sectional study (pre intervention survey) was conducted in a representative sample of youth selected from the slum and shanty communites in two randomly selected administrative districts of Colombo city (administrative districts 3 and 4). In phase two, the educational intervention was implemented in administrative district 4 while the other served as the control group. In phase three the effectiveness of the educational intervention program was evaluated by a post intervention survey. Data were collected by an interviewer administered questionnaire. Eight hundred and sixty six unmarried youth in the two administrative districts were interviewed at the pre intervention survey. A wide disparity was identified between the knowledge on STD and AIDS. A significant number (42.2percent) had never heard of STD while only 4.3 percent had not heard of AIDS. Among those who had heard of the diseases the knowledge on modes of transmission, investigations and treatment was satisfactory. However, several misconceptions wre identified regarding transmission. Knowledge on preventive methods was poor. Only 45.3 percent in the sample had ever heard of condoms. Attitudes toward persons with STD/AIDS were more positive than attitudes towards diseases. Youth downplayed the risk of their getting STD or AIDS to that of their peers (p\<0.001). The perception of risk for AIDS was much lower than that for STD (p\<0.04). Risk behaviours were common among males. Injection drug use was very minimal. In the sample 39.0 percent of males and 5.6 percent of females had sexual relationships. The sexual partners of males were girl friends (22.9 percent), Female Sex Workers (11.0 percent) and other men (18.2 percent). Safer sex practices were uncommon among sexually active males. Only 16.6 percent use a condom at the last sexual exposure. Condom non use at the last sexual encounter was significantly associated with lower level of general education (p\<0.01) and negative attitudes towards condoms (p\<0.02). The health education program included basic facts on STD / AIDS. More emphasis was placed on STD, safer sex practices and services available for persons with STD/AIDS. Health wardens attached to administrative district 4 were selected as ot reach workers. Multiple channels such as lecture ./ discussions, group discussions, posters, leaflets and video program were used to disseminate messages. Participation of the community leaders and peer leaders was obtained for the organization of the program. The intervention was conducted for four months period from April to July 1995. Post intervention survey was carried out 2 months after the completion of the intervention in which the 759 of the 866 who participated in the preintervention survey were interviewed. The findings of the post intervention survey, indicated that the experimental group as compared with the control group showed a marked improvement in overall knowledge (p\<0.0001) and had more positive attitudes towards patients with STD ?AIDS (p\<0.0001). An improvement in safer sex practices was also observed in the post test (p\<0.001). However, no change was observed on attitudes towards the diseases (p\>0.05). This study has demonstrated that youth do acquire new knowledge and change attitudes and behaviour when exposed to a well planned, comprehensive educational intervention. This change may be temporary in nature, however, it may be maintained by continuing reinforcement from time to time . This aspect need to be researched further.