Impact of HIV Testing and Counseling (HTC) Knowledge on HIV Prevention Practices Among Traditional Birth Attendants in Nigeria

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Alice Osuji²  Jennifer R. Pharr⁴  Uche Nwokoro²  Anulika Ike²  Christiana Ali²  Ogheneaga Ejiro¹  John Osuyali⁶  Michael Obiefune²  Kevin Fiscella⁵  Echezona E. Ezeanolue³ 

[1] Ministry of Health, Asaba, Delta State, 1 Onyeka Close, Asaba, Delta State 320242, Nigeria; E-Mail:;Prevention, Education, Treatment, Training and Research-Global Solutions-PeTR-GS, Plot 25 Liberty Estate, Independence Layout Enugu, Enugu State 400001, Nigeria; E-Mails:;HealthySunrise Foundation, 8752 Castle Ridge Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89129, USA;School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Box 453067, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA; E-Mail:;Department of Family Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Wilmot Cancer Center, 1381 South Ave Rochester, New York, NY 14620, USA; E-Mail:;Delta State Action Committee on AIDS, No. 5 Tom Adigwu St, Off DLA Rd, Asaba, Delta State 320233, Nigeria; E-Mail:

关键词: HIV and AIDS;    risk factors;    traditional birth attendances;    HIV preventive practices;    HIV testing and counseling;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijerph120201969

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Nigeria is second in the world for the number of people with HIV and has a high rate of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). Over 60% of births in Nigeria occur outside of health care facilities, and because of this, Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) play a significant role in maternal and child health. It is important that TBAs be knowledgeable about HIV prevention. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of HIV testing and counseling (HTC) knowledge on the HIV prevention practices among TBAs in Nigeria. Five hundred TBAs were surveyed. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to assess differences in HIV prevention practices between TBAs with and without HTC knowledge. TBAs with HTC knowledge are significantly more likely to engage in HIV prevention practices than TBAs without HTC. Prevention practices included: wearing gloves during delivery (p < 0.01), sterilization of delivery equipment (p < 0.01), participation in blood safety training (p < 0.01), and disposal of sharps (p < 0.01). As long as a high percent of births occur outside health care facilities in Nigeria, there will be a need for TBAs. Providing TBAs with HTC training increases HIV prevention practices and can be a key to improve maternal and child health.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.