A dissertation submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Degree of Master of Medicine in Community Practice of Makerere University, Kampala.

Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a global health problem of seemingly insurmountable proportions. It is a serious illness, one that is both contagious and fatal. The reaction of health personnel has been complex, controversial and emotionally charged. As countries struggle (Uganda, in particular) to develop guidelines and policies there is little systematic research on the effects of AIDS on the attitudes and practices of health personnel.

A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in the five hospitals chosen for the study. The study was aimed at determining the knowledge, attitude, practices and beliefs of health personnel in relation to the care of HIV/AIDS patients in the various hospitals in Mbale, Tororo and Iganga district. The main strategies of data collection were: administration of a pre-determined, pretested questionnaire to the health personnel and focus group discussion following a pretested, open-ended question guide. A total of six focus group discussion sessions were carried out. The participants of these focus groups included various cadres of health personnel from the different hospitals and one focus group comprising of TASO-Tororo clients.

Data analysis was done using the Epi-Info data management systems software for the quantitative field survey. Focus group discussions and specific observations were analyzed manually.

The results show that health personnel have a high level of knowledge regarding the cause, spread and precautionary measures against HIV and AIDS. The perceived risk of contracting HIV infection by health personnel is unrealistic. In-service continuing education should be encouraged.

KEYWORDS[ AIDS, health provider's attitudes]