Assessing Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Health Care Providers on Integration of Sexual Reproductive Health and HIV Services in Oyo State, South West, Nigeria

Abstract

Integration of sexual reproductive health (SRH) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) services is very poor in Nigeria, but it is very important because of its benefit to both the clients and the health care providers. However, successful implementation of integration of SRH and HIV services depends a great deal on adequate awareness, knowledge, positive attitude and best practices of all personnel involved in the system. Respondents from 65 health facilities were selected from 20 Local Government Areas in the three Senatorial Districts in the state. Their knowledge, attitude and practice towards the integration of SRH and HIV services programme were assessed. Findings showed that health care providers are adequately aware and also have average knowledge of the integration system. But there is capacity gap identified among the respondents in the area of training and documenting program activities. Also they generally exhibit positive attitude towards the programme but perform most of their service delivery with poor motivation under fairly comfortable working environment. It is recommended amongst others for the system to be very effective, there should be training and retraining programs for the personnel in the health facilities. This will hopefully enhance their skills thus enabling them perform all core integrated services successfully to clients.