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Decentralization of access to antiretroviral therapy in Cameroon: correlates of HIV physicians' knowledge in HIV care

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 16:41 authored by Sophie Rasson, Sylvie Boyer, Lionel Fugon, Camelia Protopopescu, Fabienne Marcellin, Sinata Koulla-Shiro, Charles Kouanfack, Bruno Spire, Jean Paul Moatti, Maria Patrizia Carrieri, The EVAL Study Group, Martin Fisher
BACKGROUND Good knowledge in HIV care among physicians is a necessary prerequisite to effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) scaling-up in Sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS Between September 2006 and March 2007, a 27-item knowledge questionnaire was proposed to all HIV physicians working in 27 hospitals throughout six provinces of Cameroon. Physicians' responses were compared between the three levels of decentralization of the Cameroonian healthcare delivery system (?(2) and Fisher tests). Correct responses were summed to build a knowledge score. Factors significantly associated with a higher score were identified using linear regression. RESULTS In total, 93 physicians filled in the questionnaire. Level of knowledge was globally good (median score 23), with no significant difference between the three levels of decentralization. Gaps in knowledge were observed regarding the use of cotrimoxazole and the follow-up of ART-treated patients. Main factors independently associated with a higher knowledge score included training, involvement in therapeutic committees, satisfactory collaboration with other practitioners and establishment of strong relationships between patients and patients' associations. CONCLUSIONS Overall knowledge in HIV care is good among HIV physicians working at all three levels of decentralization of healthcare in Cameroon. However, a national training policy should be set up to improve knowledge and practices in both ART follow-up and specific situations such as paediatric HIV. Collaboration between caregivers and external resources involved in HIV care should also be encouraged.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Antiviral Therapy

ISSN

2040-2058

Publisher

International Medical Press

Issue

3

Volume

16

Page range

423-428

Department affiliated with

  • BSMS Publications

Notes

Martin Fisher is not a named author on this journal article but is a member of the EVAL Study Group

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2014-02-14

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