Knowledge, perception and acceptability of microbicides among healthcare workers in Lagos, Nigeria
Otuonye, N.M.; Odunukwe, N.N.; Adeneye, A.K.; Smith, S.I.; Chigbo, R.C.; Onwuatuelo, R.I.; Oparaugo, C.T.; Onwuamah, C.K.; Fowora, M.A.; Uwah, H.; Idigbe, E.O.
British Journal of Biomedical Science 63(3): 140-141
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0967-4845 PMID: 17058715 Document Number: 598760
A study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about microbicides among health care workers and examine their willingness to recommend microbicide use. The study population comprised health care workers in hospitals and other health institutions in Lagos, Nigeria between October 2003 and February 2004. A total of 240 respondents (144 women and 96 men; age range of 20-50 years and average age of 35 years) were interviewed using structured questionnaires. Of the 240 respondents interviewed, 178 (71.7%) had heard of microbicides, while 68 (28.3%) had no knowledge of the product. Sources of information on microbicides among the respondents include conferences (34.5%), colleagues (27.6%), pamphlets (12.6%) and other sources (10.3%). With regard to the use of microbicides, 86% respondents were willing to use or recommend microbicides. Correlation between knowledge and willingness to use microbicides showed a significant association between previous knowledge and a willingness to use and recommend microbicides (P<0.05). Furthermore, perception of the efficacy of microbicides against sexually transmitted infections/human immunodeficiency virus showed that 12% thought them effective, 17% thought them ineffective and 71% were undecided.