HIV/AIDS and TB knowledge and beliefs among rural traditional health practitioners in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

HIV/AIDS and TB infections are major health problems in South Africa. Approximately two thirds of infected patients consult traditional health practitioners (THPs) to manage opportunistic infections. This study seeks to assess HIV/AIDS and TB related knowledge and beliefs among traditional health practitioners in Limpopo Province. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge and beliefs on HIV/AIDS and TB infections among group of THPs attending training workshops in Limpopo Province, between December 2013 and May 2014. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Most THPs were not educated. Majority were women at senior citizens level with more than two decades of working experience. They had adequate knowledge of HIV/AIDS and TB transmission, signs and symptoms. Of great concern were the prevailing myths and beliefs that HIV/AIDS and TB patients were bewitched; there is cure for HIV/AIDS and THPs have muthi (traditional medicine) and herbs capable of curing it. We recommend that tailor-made HIV/AIDS and TB health education targeting THPs beliefs; and training workshops on signs and symptoms of HIV/AIDS and TB be initiated urgently.