Effectiveness of Counseling in VCTC in Khammam District Hospital

Background: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is no longer an emerging disease. As it is behaviour related disease, bringing out a change in behaviour is most important component of prevention which can be implemented only through Health education and counseling. Counseling helps in educating the public about Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV) / AIDS, this is of considerable importance because in India though we have literates, their understanding and misconceptions regarding HIV are not addressed in our educational system. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of counseling in ICTC. Materials & Methods: The study was done at ICTC in Government District hospital, Khammam. The study was carried out from 1^st October to 31^st December 2007; follow up period from 1^st January to 31^st March 2008. Study population: People who attended ICTC during the study period applying inclusion and exclusion criteria- 705. Results: Nearly two thirds of the study population were married. In this study a large number 30 (40.5%) of women were widowed. Of these 18 women said that their spouse died of AIDS. The knowledge regarding transmission by sexual route, blood transfusion, and sharing of needles and misconceptions has shown a change, which was statistically significant. Highest number of respondents belonged to class IV socio economic class. Conclusion: The counseling has been found to be quite effective in HIV positives with regard to reveling to spouse/sex partner, treatment and compliance with CD4 testing. Moderately effective with regarding to knowledge about prevention and transmission. Less effective regarding use of condom.