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238870

Knowledge, Attitudes & Practices of Medical Laboratory Technologists towards HIV/AIDS, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

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Last updated: 03 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Medical laboratory technologists [MLTS] are among the professional groups at potential risk of contracting AIDS, through their jobs. Understanding their knowledge, attitudes and practices [KAP] viz-a-viz HIV/AIDS is mandatory, to identify any possible pitfalls, which would hinder protecting themselves and others. This study aimed at investigating the KAP of MLTS working at different healthcare delivery settings [ministry of health [MOH], university teaching, military, and industry-based hospitals] in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, concerning HIV/AIDS. It followed a cross-sectional approach, using a self-administered questionnaire for 223 randomly selected MLTS. SPSS-PC software was used for data management. More MLTs in the study were females [55.6 %], of university training [88.3 %], non-Saudis [63.7 %], and laboratory technicians [69 %] . Mass and mini media were the most important sources of their AIDS-related knowledge [43 - 55 %]. Most MLTS [93 %] had poor [< 60 %] or just good [60 - < 80 %] knoweldge scores. Female sex and university education were found to be associated with higher mean knowledge score. The great majority agreed to necessity of informing them about HIV positive samples they are handling [91,5 %]; being acquainted with hospital procedures in dealing with hazardous medical wastes [97.3 %], that AIDS patients are entitled to adequate treatment [87.4 % ]; and that such treatment should be provided by ministries of health [93.7 %]. Also, most MLTs followed infection control procedures and / or practice hand washing [72 81 %]. The study recommends using appropriate methods to improve the knowledge and practices of MLTS concerning AIDS. Undergraduate MLT students should receive intensive training, with respect to different aspects of HIV/AIDS transmission, prevention and control methods, with special emphasis on the universal blood precautions and infection control procedures. MLT trainers and professionals, as role models for their trainees, are strongly recommended to actively participate in CME programs, to always remain aware of the most recent developments in the field, and thus adopt / teach necessary protective procedures, accordingly.

DOI

10.21608/jhiph.2001.238870

Keywords

Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, Medical Laboratory Technologists, HIV/AIDS, Eastern province, Saudi Arabia

Authors

First Name

Ahmed

Last Name

Mandil

MiddleName

M. A.

Affiliation

Epidemiology Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt

Email

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City

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Orcid

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First Name

Laila

Last Name

Bashawri

MiddleName

A.

Affiliation

Medical Laboratory Technology Department

Email

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City

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Orcid

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First Name

Ahmed

Last Name

Bahnassy

MiddleName

A.

Affiliation

Family & Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia

Email

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City

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Orcid

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First Name

Abdul-Aziz

Last Name

Al-Jamaa

MiddleName

-

Affiliation

Director, Laboratories, Qateef Central Hospital, Saudi Arabia

Email

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City

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Orcid

-

Volume

31

Article Issue

1

Related Issue

34155

Issue Date

2001-01-01

Receive Date

2022-05-23

Publish Date

2001-01-01

Page Start

77

Page End

90

Print ISSN

2357-0601

Online ISSN

2357-061X

Link

https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_238870.html

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https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/service?article_code=238870

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8

Type

Original Article

Type Code

511

Publication Type

Journal

Publication Title

Journal of High Institute of Public Health

Publication Link

https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/

MainTitle

Knowledge, Attitudes & Practices of Medical Laboratory Technologists towards HIV/AIDS, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

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Article

Created At

22 Jan 2023