Conference abstract
Role of young community health workers and traditional birth attendants in tackling HIV in communities
Pan African Medical Journal - Conference Proceedings. 2024:23(52).26
Nov 2024.
doi: 10.11604/pamj-cp.2024.23.52.2813
Archived on: 26 Nov 2024
Contact the corresponding author
Keywords: Community health workers, traditional birth attendants, HIV
Poster
Role of young community health workers and traditional birth attendants in tackling HIV in communities
Collins Buh Nkum1,&, Ateudjieu J1, Tchio-Nighie KH1, Ahmadou S1, Guenou E1, Kami Fri R1
1M.A. SANTE (Meilleur Accès aux soins de Santé), Yaoundé, Cameroon, 2Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
&Corresponding author
Introduction: the high prevalence of HIV infection among adolescents in the Far North regions of Cameroon underscores the urgent need to improve testing coverage. This project aimed to reduce HIV/AIDS and vertical transmission morbidity and mortality through the utilization of young Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) to tackle HIV-related challenges within communities
Methods: a baseline survey conducted in the Kousseri health district in March 2024 identified gaps in knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and practices related to HIV prevention and screening among the population. Subsequent training workshops were organized to build the capacities of young CHWs in community-based awareness and HCPs in hospital-based awareness on HIV prevention, counseling, and access to care, followed by HIV testing and an end-line survey to assess the benefits of the intervention
Results: the project successfully sensitized 7,888 households, engaged 40,705 individuals through CHW community activities, screened 1,500 individuals for HIV, detected 10 positive cases, and facilitated referrals for prenatal care. Knowledge levels regarding HIV transmission and prevention exhibited improvements, as the misconception regarding mosquito bites as a transmission mode decreased from 85.95% to 62.7%. Increased awareness of testing locations was noted, with knowledge of hospitals offering testing rising from 57.02% to 86.7%. Regarding practices, knowledge of individual HIV status increased from 50.10% to 59.9%, while attitudes towards individuals living with HIV remained positive, with 68.8% expressing acceptance.
Conclusion: the project demonstrated enhanced knowledge levels on HIV transmission and prevention, along with increased awareness of testing sites and reduced propagation of misinformation. The ROC-TTHIC project underscored the pivotal role of young CHWs and TBAs in addressing HIV in communities, leading to heightened awareness, enhanced screening rates, and improved maternal health outcomes. These findings should inform future health policies and interventions in Cameroon and similar contexts.
Role of young community health workers and traditional birth attendants in tackling HIV in communities
Collins Buh Nkum1,&, Ateudjieu J1, Tchio-Nighie KH1, Ahmadou S1, Guenou E1, Kami Fri R1
1M.A. SANTE (Meilleur Accès aux soins de Santé), Yaoundé, Cameroon, 2Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
&Corresponding author
Introduction: the high prevalence of HIV infection among adolescents in the Far North regions of Cameroon underscores the urgent need to improve testing coverage. This project aimed to reduce HIV/AIDS and vertical transmission morbidity and mortality through the utilization of young Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) to tackle HIV-related challenges within communities
Methods: a baseline survey conducted in the Kousseri health district in March 2024 identified gaps in knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and practices related to HIV prevention and screening among the population. Subsequent training workshops were organized to build the capacities of young CHWs in community-based awareness and HCPs in hospital-based awareness on HIV prevention, counseling, and access to care, followed by HIV testing and an end-line survey to assess the benefits of the intervention
Results: the project successfully sensitized 7,888 households, engaged 40,705 individuals through CHW community activities, screened 1,500 individuals for HIV, detected 10 positive cases, and facilitated referrals for prenatal care. Knowledge levels regarding HIV transmission and prevention exhibited improvements, as the misconception regarding mosquito bites as a transmission mode decreased from 85.95% to 62.7%. Increased awareness of testing locations was noted, with knowledge of hospitals offering testing rising from 57.02% to 86.7%. Regarding practices, knowledge of individual HIV status increased from 50.10% to 59.9%, while attitudes towards individuals living with HIV remained positive, with 68.8% expressing acceptance.
Conclusion: the project demonstrated enhanced knowledge levels on HIV transmission and prevention, along with increased awareness of testing sites and reduced propagation of misinformation. The ROC-TTHIC project underscored the pivotal role of young CHWs and TBAs in addressing HIV in communities, leading to heightened awareness, enhanced screening rates, and improved maternal health outcomes. These findings should inform future health policies and interventions in Cameroon and similar contexts.
