Browsing by Author "Ramathebane, Maseabata"

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    Knowledge Attitudes and Practice about HIV Transmission, Prevention and Treatment among Elderly Patients with HIV/AIDS in Rural Lesotho
    (Journal of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems, 2021-05-06) Ramathebane, Maseabata; Maja, Lineo; Molungoa, Sello; Sayed, Abdul Rauf
    Introduction: Lesotho is one of the world’s countries hardest hit by HIV, with the second highest HIV prevalence after Swaziland. Elderly persons face many prevention challenges such as lack of knowledge in HIV/AIDS, discrimination and stigmatization that can lead to late testing, diagnosis and reluctance in seeking medical services. This is the first study conducted in Lesotho to assess knowledge regarding HIV transmission, prevention and treatment among elderly patients in rural Lesotho. Methods: The study population composed of elderly HIV/AIDS patients aged ≥ 50 years, receiving clinical services within the catchment of four rural clinics of Maseru districts. A random sample of medical records of patients living with HIV/AIDS was selected from each of the four clinics. After intervention interview were carried out using the same tool that was used at baseline. Results: Before intervention, a total of 269 patients were interviewed. Majority of the patients were females (65.8%) and had achieved only a primary level of education (71.4%). A composite score was derived from all the questions relating to knowledge about HIV transmission and treatment. A patient who achieved a composite score ≥ 75% was defined as having ‘adequate knowledge’. The results showed that only 34.2% of the patients had adequate knowledge of transmission and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Adequate knowledge about HIV transmission, prevention and treatment was significantly associated with gender, females being more knowledgeable than males (OR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.5; P=0.022). Patients with secondary or higher level of education being more knowledgeable than those with less education (OR=2.8, 95% CI: 1.1-7.8; P=0.021). After controlling for age, gender and educational level, the results from multivariate logistic regression analysis showed similar associations to the unadjusted ORs. Over one-third of the patients (36.8%) had unprotected sex. After intervention, a total of 183 patients were interviewed. Patients with no formal education gained more knowledge (OR=6.5 95% CI: 1.5-59.3; P=0.005). Males also gained more knowledge after intervention (OR=4.4, 95% CI: 1.6-14.9; P=0.001). Age group of + 65 also gained more knowledge (OR=6.5 95% CI: 1.5-59.3; P=0.005). Conclusion: There is a lack of knowledge about transmission and prevention among elderly patients living with HIV/AIDS in rural Lesotho. It is imperative that a targeted strategy be developed for this vulnerable group, taking into cognisance their inherent lower level of education and to improve access to services. After intervention there was a significant amount of knowledge gained particularly by the groups of patients that had less knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention
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    Perceptions of Healthcare Professionals on COVID-19 in Lesotho:
    (Journal of Biosciences and Medicine, 2022-02-11) Nyangu, Isabel; Ramathebane, Maseabata
    Background: Health care professionals at the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic require continued support to ensure not only their well-being, but enhanced care for those infected by the disease. This study aimed to assess the perceptions of health care providers regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in Lesotho. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from 190 healthcare workers who were conveniently sampled from a total of 25 health care facilities and completed structured questionnaires. Data were collected in September 2021 and analyzed using SPSS (vs23). Permission to conduct this study was granted by the relevant authorities. Informed written consent was given by the respondents in writing before they could take part in this study. Results: Respondents had positive views about the COVID-19 pandemic, and they were associated with the level of education. They understood that COVID-19 can affect anyone, including themselves and is not a disease for any particular race. They perceived that they could contract COVID-19, even despite pre-existing conditions, and there was a positive prognosis after contracting COVID-19 if necessary precautions were taken. Furthermore, they knew that the virus was affecting many people worldwide, including the elderly, who were willing to be tested. Respondents felt the testing procedure was rather painful and uncomfortable. The test providers were friendly and not rude, and respondents did not have any preferred gender for them. Respondents were also willing to discuss issues on COVID-19 with families and friends, and they lived close to health care facilities. Conclusions: This study concludes that healthcare professionals at the frontline were mostly nurses, and they had positive perceptions about the COVID-19 pandemic as they were knowledgeable and willing to test for the disease. Test providers were viewed as pleasant and healthcare facilities were accessible. Support for frontline healthcare professionals remains crucial to ensure effective service delivery. More education can be provided to enhance the general views about the COVID-19 to improve uptake of services, not only amongst healthcare professionals but the general public.