CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Since the beginning of the epidemic, almost 70 million people have
been infected with the HIV virus and about 35 million people have died of
AIDS. Globally, 34.0 million [31.435.9 million] people were living with HIV at
the end of 2011. An estimated 0.8% of adults aged 15-49 years worldwide
are living with HIV, although the burden of the epidemic continues to vary
considerably between countries and regions. Sub-Saharan Africa remains
most severely affected, with nearly 1 in every 20 adults (4.9%) living with HIV
and accounting for 69% of the people living with HIV worldwide.
Officially, the Philippines is a low-HIV-prevalence country, with less
than 0.1 percent of the adult population estimated to be HIV-positive. As of
January 2013, the Department of Health (DOH) AIDS Registry in the
Philippines reported 10,514 people living with HIV/AIDS, (Department of
Health, January 2013).
Several factors put the Philippines in danger of a broader HIV/AIDS
epidemic. They include increasing population mobility within and outside of
the Philippine islands; a conservative culture, adverse to publicly discussing
issues of a sexual nature; rising levels of sex work, casual sex, unsafe sex,
and injecting drug use.
There is also high STI prevalence and poor health-seeking behaviors
among at-risk groups; gender inequality; weak integration of HIV/AIDS
responses in local government activities; shortcomings in prevention
campaigns; inadequate social and behavioral research and monitoring; and
the persistence of stigma and discrimination. Lack of knowledge about HIV
among the Filipino population is troubling. Approximately two-thirds of young
women lack comprehensive knowledge on HIV transmission, and 90 percent
of the population of reproductive age believe you can contract HIV by sharing
a meal with someone, ("Health Profile: Philippines"-United States Agency for
International Development, March 2008).
In the institution, there is an increase in number of patients admitted
with HIV for the past three years. This statistics is quite alarming that entails
an extensive awareness of the health care providers in the care of HIV/AIDS
patients both to render quality care and to protect them in the possible cross
contamination of the disease.
The researcher believes that the care of HIV/AIDS patients in the birds
eye view should not be feared nor labelled. Awareness on this disease would
alleviate stigma and hindrances in the provision of care. This serves as a
leverage to conduct this study of assessing the level of awareness of the
hospital staff on HIV/Aids and use it as a basis in developing structured staff
1

education program. Also, the desire of the researcher to reinforce awareness

is perpetuated in this study.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM:

The objective of the study was to assess the awareness of the hospital
staff on HIV/AIDS.
It sought to answer the following questions:
1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents when grouped
according to;
1.1Age;
1.2Nature of Work;
1.3Length of experience?
2. What is the level of awareness of the respondents on HIV/AIDS
based on;
2.1Admission;
2.2 Disease process;
2.3 Care Management;
2.4 Institutional Policy?
3. Is there a significant relationship between the demographic profile
and the level of awareness of the respondents on HIV/AIDS?
4. Based on the findings, what staff education program can be
proposed?
HYPOTHESIS:
HO: There is no significant relationship between the demographic profile and
the level of awareness of the respondents on HIV/AIDS.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Figure 1: PDCA Model

The study, Assessment of the Awareness of the hospital staff on

HIV/AIDS: Basis for Staff Education Program is anchored on the theory of
PDCA by Edward Deming. According to the model, PDCA are the steps that
should

be

taken

into

consideration

to

ensure

continuous

quality

improvement. Like a circle it does not stop anywhere. It is a continuous

process. The researcher believed that this theory is of most applicable to the
study.
The researcher started with a PLAN when he pursued a study to
assess the level of awareness of hospital staff on HIV/AIDS.
The researcher then took the next step, which is the DO in this
model, in this stage the researcher took actions to conduct the research
study he has in mind. He formulated assessment tool that will be his basis in
assessing the level of awareness of the hospital staff.
The researcher proceeded with the CHECK in the process. It is the
assessment proper of the level of awareness of hospital staff on HIV/AIDS. It
is the core step of the study. With the results, the researcher believes to
develop structured staff education program.
The last step of the process will be the ACT. The researcher believes
that the output of the study will be pivotal in ensuing quality assurance
through a structured staff education program which will reinforce the
awareness of the staff on HIV/AIDS.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Demographic
profile
Self
Formulated
Assessment
Tool

Assessment
of the
awareness of
hospital staff
on HIV/AIDS.

Structured
Staff
Education
Program

Fig.2: Conceptual Framework of the Study

Fig.2 presents the research paradigm of the study. This further shows
the process of research conduct. It is presented in an input process output
method. The inputs are the work position and the self formulated tool to
assess the level of awareness of the hospital staff on HIV/AIDS. The process
will be the assessment part of the study.

A structured staff education

program will serve as an outcome of the study after a deliberate and careful
understanding of the findings though such scientific undertakings.
DEFINITION OF TERMS

The study entitled Assessment of the Awareness of Hospital Staff on

HIV/AIDS; Basis for Structure Staff Education Program used terminologies
that were operationally and conceptually defined as follows
1. AIDS A severe immunological disorder caused by the retrovirus HIV,
resulting in a defect in cell-mediated immune response that is
manifested by increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and
to certain rare cancers, especially Kaposi's sarcoma. It is transmitted
primarily by exposure to contaminated body fluids, especially blood
and semen.
2. HIV Human Immune Deficiency Virus. It is the causative agent of
AIDS. HIV is also used in this study to represent patients infected with
such virus (e.g. HIV patients).
3. Hospital Staf- these are the respondents of the study. It include
persons who are involved in the care of HIV/AIDS patients such as
medical consultants and residents, Medical Director, Nurses and Nurse
Assistants,

Medical

Technologist,

Respiratory

Therapist,

Cardio

technicians, physical therapists, pharmacist and dieticians.

4. Staf Education Program it is the output of the study using the
level of awareness of the hospital staff as a basis. This program is
intended to educate or reinforce hospital staff on the provision of care
to HIV/AIDS patients.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study is deemed beneficial to the following:
Institution the study is beneficial for the Institution for it will provide staff
education program on HIV/AIDS. This is also deemed beneficial on the
management system of the institution for it supports the learning and growth
perspective in the balance score card by Norton and Kaplan.
Medical Service this study is beneficial for the medical service especially
for the establishment of the HAC (HIV/AIDS Committee) which is a
requirement of Department of Health. This will provide a framework and
guide for the Committee especially in designing and determining staff
education programs.
Hospital Staf- the result of the study can be used as a mean of staff
development which reinforces the clinical competencies of the staff through
education. This will also benefit them by widening their horizon and
understanding about the care of HIV/AIDS which then will result in quality
care and services.
4

HIV/AIDS patients- as beneficiaries of care rendered by the health care

providers. Increase on the awareness of the care providers denotes safe,
effective and quality care to be rendered.
Future Researches this study can be used as leverage on off school of
future studies with references to the variables identified herein. The results
may also be a precursor of another research study as it may serve as a
reference for future wide range studies.

CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF LITERATURES AND STUDIES
HIV and AIDS have been studied by other researchers over time. A
search and review of the existing literature on the topic of HIV/AIDS was
done. Numerous articles were obtained regarding the HIV/AIDS. The
researcher gathered some of these related studies and literature to support
this study.
This chapter deals with the related literatures, related studies and
synthesis that are relevant to the study. This chapter summarizes the ideas
and concepts on the significant variables presented herein.
HIV CASES IN PHILIPPINES
HIV/AIDS incidence is the Philippines is quite alarming. This situation
calls for the determination of the awareness of those who are involved in the
provision of care and determine an education program that will equip them
with necessary concepts to increase patient outcome.
Since 1984 to present, there were 14,025 cases reported. More than
half (6,549) came from the National Capital Region. Thirteen percent (1,643)
came from region 4A, followed by 8% (1,077) from Region 3, 9% (1,115) from
Region 7, 6% (765) from Region 11 and the rest of the country comprises
13% (1,740) of all the cases.
AIDS Cases (1984-2013)

Of the 2,323 HIV positive cases in 2013, one hundred twenty were
reported as AIDS cases. Of these, 112 were males and 8 were females. Ages
ranged from 17-59 years. Ninety-eight percent (118) acquired the infection
through sexual contact (60 homosexual, 26 bisexual and 32 heterosexual)
and 2% (2) through injecting drug use.
From 1984 to 2013, there were 1,289 AIDS cases reported. Seventynine percent (1,013) were males. Median age is 34 years (age range: 1-81
years). Sexual contact was the most common mode of HIV transmission,
accounting for 95% (1,220) of all reported AIDS cases. Almost half of sexual
transmission

was

through

heterosexual

contact

(540),

followed

by

homosexual contact (489) then bisexual contact.

Aside from the definition of HIV/AIDS it is also of most importance to be
aware of how this disease is transmitted. The awareness of this aspect will
equip the healthcare providers with such precaution for cross contamination.
On the other hand, it will also decrease the barriers in the provision of best
care possible and alleviate social stigma about the disease. Modes of
transmission include: mother-to-child transmission (20), blood transfusion
(10), injecting drug use (9), and needle prick injuries (2). Two percent (28) of
the AIDS cases did not report mode of HIV transmission.
In 2013, there were 261 HIV positive OFWs, comprising 11% of cases
reported for the year . Of these, 237 (91%) were males and 24 (9%) were
females. Ninety-nine percent acquired the infection through sexual contact
(72 heterosexual, 101 homosexual and 86 bisexual) and 2 (1%) through
injecting drug use.
There were 2,391 HIV positive OFWs since 1984, comprising 17% of all
reported cases. Eighty percent (1,908) were males. Ages ranged from 18 to
69 years (median 34 years). Sexual contact (97%) was the predominant
mode of transmission. Eighty-seven percent (2,083) were asymptomatic while
13% (308) were AIDS cases.
In June 2013, there were 431 new HIV Ab sero-positive individuals
confirmed by the STD/AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratory (SACCL) and
reported to the HIV and AIDS Registry. This is 46% higher compared to the
same period last year (n=295 in 2012) and the highest number of cases
reported in a month. Most of the cases (95%) were males. The median age
was 27 years (age range: 4-61 years). The 20-29 year (57%) age group had
the most number of cases.
The reported modes of transmission were sexual contact (387), needle
sharing among injecting drug users (43) and mother to child transmission (1).
Males having sex with other males (88%) were the predominant type of
sexual transmission. Most (96%) of the cases were still asymptomatic at the
6

time of reporting. In June 2013, the bulk of new HIV cases came from NCR,
Region 7, Region 4A, Region 3, and Region 11. The three highest reporting
regions were NCR, 7 and 4A.
Ninety-five percent of the 2,323 cases in 2013 were males (2,212).
Ages ranged from 4 to 79 years old (median 28 years). The 20-29 year old
age group had the most (58%) number of cases for 2013. For the male age
group, the most number of cases were found among the 20-24 years old
(25%), 25-29 years old (34%), and 30-34 years old (21%).
From 1984 to 2013, there were 14,025 HIV Ab sero-positive cases
reported, of which 12,736 (91%) were asymptomatic and 1,289 (9%) were
AIDS cases. There is a significant difference in the number of male and
female cases reported. Eighty-eight percent (12,288) were males. Ages
ranged from 1-81 years (median 29 years). The age groups with the most
number of cases were: 20-24 years (22%), 25-29 (30%), and 30-34 years
(19%).
ADMISSION
A clear definition about HIV/AIDS should be determined in order to
define a course of treatment for this disease condition. AIDS is a chronic,
potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV). By damaging your immune system, HIV interferes with your
body's ability to fight the organisms that cause disease, (Mayo Clinic, 2012).
According to Wikipedia, Human immunodeficiency virus infection /
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a disease of the human
immune system caused by infection with human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV). During the initial infection, a person may experience a brief period of
influenza-like illness. This is typically followed by a prolonged period without
symptoms. As the illness progresses, it interferes more and more with the
immune system, making the person much more likely to get infections,
including opportunistic infections and tumors that do not usually affect
people who have working immune systems.
Awareness on the disease process is also pivotal in this matter. Primary
focus of treatment in HIV/AIDS patients are focused on the prevention of
secondary infections and complications. According to Jung A. And Pauaw,
D.S., Risk of many HIV-related disease varies with the patient's degree of
immunosuppression. CD4 count, CD4 percentage, quantitative HIV-1 RNA
(viral load), neopterin level, and p-24 antigenemia have all been proposed as
surrogate markers of immune function. Among these, CD4 counts and
quantitative HIV-1 RNA levels are used most commonly. Quantitative HIV-1
RNA is a more reliable surrogate marker for progression to AIDS and death
than CD4 counts. However, HIV-1 RNA levels can vary up to fourfold during
7

acute infections, and there is no defined relation between HIV-1 RNA levels
and risk of opportunistic infections. Consequently, the CD4 count remains the
most useful test for estimating risk of many HIV-related diseases.
The advent of combination antiretroviral therapy using protease
inhibitors, nucleoside analogues, and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase
inhibitors has led to substantial increases in CD4 counts in some patients.
Whether these increased CD4 counts alter patients' risk of opportunistic
infections is uncertain. Until studies clarify this issue, it is prudent to base
patients' management on their CD4 counts before initiation of antiretroviral
therapy.
Technical

and

physiologic

variability

contributes

to

the

overall

variability of CD4 counts. In one study of clinically stable, HIV-infected

patients, CD4 counts varied by 13.7% when measured 4 weeks apart.
Laboratory variance accounted for 15% of the overall variance, while
physiologic variance accounted for 85%. In a different study, CD4 counts
varied by 25% when measured 8 weeks apart. CD4 counts vary throughout
the day and in response to acute infections, smoking, exercise, and stress.
One approach to address this variability is to draw specimens at a similar
time of the day, use the same laboratory to process the specimens, and use
serial tests to guide management decisions.
Screening as one of the important determinants of early detection
should be given emphasis and designing a course of treatment. Carla
Makhlouf Obermeyer, DSc and Michelle Osborn, MA, MPH said that Testing for
HIV is the gateway to treatment, care, and prevention. To scale up treatment
and prevention, rapid increases in both the volume of testing and the ability
to counsel those who are tested are needed. The use of testing globally,
however, is very low. Recent estimates based on surveys in 12 high-burden
countries in sub-Saharan Africa indicate that a median of just 12% of men
and 10% of women in the general population have been tested for HIV and
received the results. Even in more developed countries, about 20% to 30% of
seropositive individuals are unaware that they are HIV positive. This means
that most people living with HIV get testing and counselling only when they
already have advanced clinical disease. Concerns over the gap between
needs and reality have led to urgent calls for dealing with this important
unfinished business and expanding testing in developing countries.
HIV testing is often used as an umbrella term to refer to both testing
and counseling services. Diagnostic testing refers to HIV testing that occurs
within a clinical care setting to aid in patient care management. Voluntary
counseling and testing emphasizes the need for voluntary, informed consent
prior to testing as well as pre- and posttest counseling. Routine testing in
clinical settings, whereby patients are asked if they would like to be tested
8

(opt-in testing) or are informed that they will be tested as part of routine
procedures unless they refuse (opt-out testing), is increasingly advocated.
This is different from routinely conducting tests in medical settings without
informing patients or seeking their consent. The terminology reflects ongoing
debates about consent, as well as the tension between safeguarding
individual rights and protecting public health: should testing be universal,
routinely practiced, routinely offered, or only performed at an individuals
request and where indicated for individual cases? Is voluntary counseling and
testing the only way to ensure consent?
In an effort to avoid the potential confusion of earlier terminology, the
World Health Organization (WHO) has recently proposed a formulation that
distinguishes between 2 types of HIV testing, both voluntary: client-initiated
testing, corresponding to what is usually referred to as voluntary counseling
and testing, and provider-initiated testing. The latter is conducted at health
facilities as part of clinical care to diagnose patients who present with signs
and

symptoms

suggestive

of

HIV

or

to

aid

in

providing

care

to

nonsymptomatic patients in areas of high prevalence or at clinics used by

populations that may be at special risk of HIV.
The history of HIV testing shows that the issue has always stirred much
controversy. In the mid-1980s, when tests became available, public health
measures that were commonly accepted for other diseases (such as
compulsory testing, contact tracing, and quarantine) were called into
question. Fears of the social and political consequences of mandatory
reporting of HIV-positive status, and concerns that such measures could lead
to discrimination and drive the epidemic underground, prevailed over
traditional public health approaches, and only confidential and anonymous
testing was considered acceptable. With the availability of treatment,
however, such exceptionalism came to be less defensible, and scaled-up
testing is increasingly advocated both as a gateway to treatment and
prevention and as a way to normalize and destigmatize HIV.
Support has been growing for incorporating HIV testing and counselling
into routine health care, including prenatal care, care for sexually transmitted
infections, hospitalization, or even general primary care. Research showing
that voluntary counselling and testing is associated with the adoption of
preventive behaviour and that routine screening for HIV is cost-effective has
bolstered the position of those in favour of expanding testing programs.
Some observers, however, continue to express caution over the potential
stigma, discrimination, and violence that may be associated with disclosure
of HIV-positive status. Supporters argue that concerns over the protection of
individual rights should not prevail over the public health benefits of
expanded testing.
9

In 2004, WHO and the Joint United Nations Program on AIDS (UNAIDS)
had recommended the routine offer of testing with the choice to opt out; in
2007, they issued a Guidance for Provider-Initiated Testing and Counseling in
Health Facilities. In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) called for routinely testing people aged 13 to 64 years and for
simplifying the process of obtaining consent. Recommendations to expand
testing raise numerous questions about the application of the policy and its
consequences in different settings. These questions relate to the feasibility of
providing the needed referral, treatment, and prevention services related to
HIV testing; the protection of individuals identified through testing; whether it
is truly possible to opt out of testing; ensuring consent and confidentiality;
and the extent to which routine testing encourages prevention, reduces
stigma, and promotes behavior change.
The evidence needed to inform debates about the best way to
implement testing and counseling programs is patchy. Although statistics are
increasingly available, and there have been comparative studies of the
effectiveness of voluntary counselling and testing, less is known about the
factors that influence utilization in different settings, with some studies
casting doubt on the notion that the positive effects observed in small studies
are necessarily replicated as testing expands. Nor do we understand the
reasons for differential use, even though discussions often refer to gender,
stigma, or poverty as obstacles to the utilization of testing. The issue of HIV
testing is often addressed as if all HIV tests were conducted for the same
purposes and under the same circumstances.
There

are,

however,

important

differences

between

voluntary

counselling and testing, testing conducted for diagnostic purposes among ill
patients, routinely offered testing at health facilities, testing for purposes of
surveillance among healthy populations, and mandatory testing that is
carried out when required by laweach of which may require different
information and different standards to ascertain consent and ensure
confidentiality. The epidemiological context in which testing is conducted also
makes

differencehigh-

or

low-prevalence

settings

have

different

implications for the identification of HIV-positive individuals or so-called risk

groups.
In general, the operational evidence to inform policies is insufficient,
and little is known about how guidelines about testing are in fact
implemented, especially in high-prevalence countries, which factors facilitate
utilization, and to what extent testing is accelerated when treatment
becomes available. And yet it is information about context, attitudes, and
behaviors that is most urgently needed to improve programs. After all,
whether testing does open the gate to treatment and promotes prevention
10

depends in large part on the extent to which fears of testing are overcome,
adverse consequences of disclosure are avoided, and providers can connect
clients to appropriate treatment and prevention services. This, in turn,
requires an understanding of the contextual factors that facilitate or hinder
testing, both within health facilities and elsewhere.
According to Fournier P.O. ,et., al., With the rapid development (and
complex prescribing patterns) of drugs for HIV/AIDS care, it is challenging for
physicians to keep current. We conducted a follow-up study to a 1994 cohort
study to see how care and referral patterns have changed over the last
decade. In this study, we examined how family physicians in Massachusetts
were caring for their HIV-infected patients, and to see whether FPs were
referring more patients to specialists for care compared with a decade ago.
They utilized a cross-sectional survey as an 11-year follow-up to a
previous study. It was mailed in 2005 to the active membership of the
Massachusetts Academy of Family Physicians. They found out that compared
with the cohort of 1994, the number of HIV+ patients in individual practices
remained about the same, but the number of practices with no AIDS patients
was significantly higher. 85.3% of FPs noted that they were more likely to
refer HIV/AIDS patients immediately compared with their own practice
patterns a decade ago. In this study, 39.0% of current respondents referred
HIV+ patients immediately, 57.0% co-managed patients, and 4.1% managed
these patients alone (the data for the 1994 cohort was 7.0%, 45.8%, and
47.2%, respectively; P<.0001). Similar changes were seen in regard to care
patterns for AIDS patients. Among the current cohort, 61.7% reported that
they referred patients immediately, compared with only 18.3% in 1994;
36.8% noted that they co-managed these patients (vs 74.3% in 1994); and
only 1.5% reported that they managed these patients alone (vs 7.4% in 1994;
P<.0001).
With their study, they concluded significant shift amongst FPs with regard to
their referral patterns for patients with HIV/AIDS has occurred over the last
decade. The community health center has emerged as a resource for patients
with HIV/AIDS. Funding for specific training programs on HIV/AIDS care should
be targeted to community health centers.
Narhari Timilshina, et., al. stated that without protective practices such
as antiseptic hand washing, the use of sterile/surgical gloves, safe needles,
sterile equipment, and safe instrument and waste disposal procedures
outlined in universal precaution guidelines, basic health workers (BHWs) are
at substantial risk of blood-borne infections.
DISEASE PROCESS
11

Many people view HIV and AIDS in the same light, and therefore have
the underlying prejudice that someone who is HIV-positive could die
tomorrow.

This is not true. It is essential to distinguish between HIV and

AIDS.
A virus is a very small germ. HIV is not one virus, but a family of
similar viruses. HIV 1 is found in most countries of the world while HIV 2 is
found mainly in West Africa. AIDS is a medical diagnosis for a combination of
illnesses which results from weakness of the immune system due to infection
with HIV. The immune system defends the body against infections and
diseases. The word AIDS is an abbreviation for the following:
Our blood contains white and red blood cells. Normally the white cells
fight off and kill any germs which enter our bodies. They do this by eating up
the germs and by producing chemicals called antibodies which kill them. In
this way our bodies fight off many different germs and we stay healthy.
Sometimes we have symptoms of illness when our white cells are
fighting the germs, but usually the white cells win and we get better.
HIV weakens the immune system by entering and destroying our white
cells. As more and more white cells are killed, the body becomes less and less
able to fight off the many different germs which live around and in our bodies
all the time. After many years the white cells are so damaged that these
germs, which normally do not cause problems, can cause deadly diseases.
People with AIDS eventually die from one of these diseases which their bodies
cannot resist.
Immediately after a person is infected with HIV, the virus rapidly starts
to multiply using the bodys white blood cells. After about two to six weeks
most people infected with HIV produce antibodies against the virus. These
antibodies can contain a number of HI viruses, but they are not able to kill
HIV because it hides in the white cells. A blood test generally used can detect
these antibodies, which will show that the person has been infected with HIV.
The period from the time a person is infected until these antibodies appear is
called the window period.

During the window period there will be no

antibodies present in the blood, and if a person would be tested during this
time a person therefore tests negative, although the virus is already in the
blood.
Around the time of infection some people have a short illness similar to
glandular fever. This could be associated with a short spell of night sweats,
swollen glands and some flu-like symptoms.
normally disappear within a few days.

12

These symptoms would

After this, most people remain healthy with no signs of illness for many
years. However, HIV is still present in the body and the person can infect
others without either partner knowing it.
The longer a person is infected with HIV, the more white blood cells get
destroyed and the weaker the persons immune system become. This will
initially cause the person to begin to show some minor signs of illness.
Finally so much of the immune system is destroyed that the person is
attacked by rare and serious infections which eventually kill him or her. These
diseased are called opportunistic infections since they use opportunity of a
weakened immune system to make attack the body. The diseases vary in
different countries, depending on which viruses, bacteria, fungus and
protozoal infections are around.

An infected person will then experience

major sign of illness.

You can only know if you are HIV infected if you go for a HIV test. An HIV
test tests for the presence of antibodies for HIV in the blood. Most countries
currently use the Rapid test where a small sample of your blood is tested and
results are available within 20 minutes.
Do not try to diagnose yourself whether you are HIV+ by looking for
certain symptoms. They only appear in the late stage of the disease, and it
might also be misinterpreted. People who are worried that they might be HIV
infected should go for HIV testing as soon as possible.

Nobody should be

forced to go for testing. The testing should be accompanied by pre- and posttest counselling. This is called voluntary counselling and testing (VCT).
If you are worried, do not walk around being worried the whole time. Go
to any clinic, doctor or local hospital, and ask to be tested for HIV. All test
results will be kept confidential. People are very often afraid of hearing that
they are HIV infected, which is understandable, but it is definitely better for
you to know your HIV status, than not to know. If you know you are infected
you can start to look after your own health, start to investigate different
treatment options, make plans for the future, adapt your lifestyle and make
sure that you do not infect anyone else, get support, accept your HIV status
and start to live again.
On average, people infected with HIV develop AIDS after eight to twelve
years if they receive no treatment. This however has started to change as
new antiretroviral drugs are constantly developed. The prices of these drugs
may still be out of reach of many people, but thanks to global advocacy
efforts most governments now have programs to make antiretroviral drugs
more available for free or at reduced prices.
If an infected person uses these medications correctly and can tolerate
the possible side-effects of these drugs, HIV infection can now become a
13

treatable and manageable disease similar to high blood pressure or diabetes.

This implies that a person infected with HIV can survive many years longer
than the eight to ten years mentioned before.
In some body fluids of an infected person, the HI virus is found in such
high concentrations that someone can be infected if they come into direct
contact with it. These fluids are blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk.
During unprotected sex, a person will have direct contact with semen or
vaginal fluid, and sometimes even with blood. This is, once again, why HIV
infection takes place mostly when people are having unprotected sex.
On the other hand, body fluids such as saliva, tears, perspiration and
urine will have such low concentrations of HIV that there is no chance of
infection. This is why normal social contact and kissing is not dangerous and
will not lead to HIV infection.
HIV from an infected person must enter the white cells of another
person in order to survive. HIV can only enter another person when the blood,
semen or vaginal secretions of an infected person come into contact with the
blood or mucous membranes of another person.
The outside of the body is covered with a thick skin which keeps out
HIV as long as there are no cuts or sores in it. The vagina, penis, rectum and
mouth are covered with a much thinner skin called mucous membrane. White
blood cells can be found on the surface of these mucous membranes. HIV can
infect these white cells before they return to the blood vessels which are
close to the surface of the membranes. Any break, sore or inflammation in
the vagina, penis, rectum or mouth makes it even easier for HIV to come into
contact with the blood cells. This is why most people get infected during
sexual intercourse. HIV infection does not easily occur in the mouth since
there are many white blood cells in the mouth which will kill HIV before
infection could happen.
Discharges contain a lot of white cells which make it easier for HIV to
infect people with discharges from the vagina, penis or rectum. For these
reasons, people with other sexually transmitted diseases are at greater risk of
HIV infection.
There are many ways to prevent HIV infection. You can prevent
sexual infections by safe(r) practices such as abstinence, mutual faithfulness
in marriage, waiting as long as possible before engaging with sex for the first
time, the correct and consistent use of condoms, and the reduction of
number of sexual partners.
At this stage there is no cure for HIV infection. A great deal of money
and time are spent throughout the world to find an effective, safe vaccine to
prevent HIV infection, but it is not expected that a vaccine will be available
soon. A growing number of HIV drugs are available.
14

These antiretroviral

drugs are prescribed in combinations and have proved to be very effective if

used correctly. These drugs, however, cannot cure HIV infection. It can only
slow down or stall the HI-virus destruction of the bodys immune system.
Although the drugs are now more readily available, there are still many
people who do not have access to the drugs in their countries.
There are no known cases of people becoming infected with HIV through
normal living with an infected person. Parents who look after HIV positive
children and health care workers who look after patients with AIDS do not
become infected as long as they are not accidentally injected with infected
blood. It is only the sexual partners of infected people who may become
infected in such situations.
All the people who have got HIV infection are either sexually active, or
have had blood transfusions or are young babies.If HIV was spread through
mosquitoes or normal contact many older children and others outside these
groups would be infected, as they are with malaria or measles.HIV can
therefore not enter the body through: holding hands, living together, kissing,
sport, toilet seats, touching, dancing, bathing together, hugging, massage,
sharing food, swimming, sneezing, coughing, breathing, sharing clothes, flies,
mosquitoes.
There are two main strains of the HI virus, known as HIV1 and HIV2.
HIV1 is the more virulent strain, which has spread throughout the world. It is
also called the Western strain of the HIV. HIV2 is a less virulent strain found
in West Africa.

It was previously called the African strain of HIV. It was

suspected for some years that both these strains of the virus might have an
animal, specifically a simian or primate specie, origin. Very often the green
monkey got the blame. Whether it was a green monkey is not important.
What is important is that since the beginning of 1999 scientists have
provided sound evidence to show for certain that HIV1 the virulent and
widely spread strain of the virus originated in the chimpanzee sub-specie,
while HIV2 the less virulent and more contained strain of the virus
originated from the sooty mangaby monkey.
A particular kind of chimpanzee is known to carry a virus quite similar
in structure to the human AIDS virus. This chimpanzee virus (SIV) is a great
deal older than the HI virus. In certain areas of Africa, the monkey and
chimpanzee is considered a luxury food. Possibly the first human was infected
by eating some uncooked organs, or through an accidental cut while
preparing a carcass. The disease may have begun in this simple, quiet
manner, spreading to others from this point through sexual intercourse and
later through shared needle use.
Many African government representatives are sensitive about this view.
Understandably so, as it is often phrased in a way that seems to blame Africa
15

for the appearance of the virus. While scientific events are not themselves
racist, observations and reporting of them may be so. It is important to
remember that no one person, nation or population is responsible for the
development of HIV/AIDS.

The most important task now is to prevent the

further spread of the virus and care for those who are infected with HIV. No
one is to blame for the appearance of HIV. But now that we know it is there,
we must not be accused of failing to create the kind of responsible and caring
society which will make it possible to prevent AIDS.

CARE MANAGEMENT
The management of HIV/AIDS normally includes the use of multiple
antiretroviral drugs in an attempt to control HIV infection. There are several
classes of antiretroviral agents that act on different stages of the HIV lifecycle. The use of multiple drugs that act on different viral targets is known as
highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). HAART decreases the patient's
total burden of HIV, maintains function of the immune system, and prevents
opportunistic infections that often lead to death.
The American National Institutes of Health and other organizations
recommend offering antiretroviral treatment to all patients with AIDS.
Because of the complexity of selecting and following a regimen, the severity
of the side-effects, and the importance of compliance to prevent viral
resistance, such organizations emphasize the importance of involving
patients in therapy choices and recommend analyzing the risks and the
potential benefits to patients with low viral loads.
Sarah Chippindale and lesley French stated that ounselling in HIV and
AIDS has become a core element in a holistic model of health care, in which
psychological issues are recognised as integral to patient management. HIV
and AIDS counselling has two general aims: (1) the prevention of HIV
transmission and (2) the support of those affected directly and indirectly by
HIV. It is vital that HIV counselling should have these dual aims because the
spread of HIV can be prevented by changes in behaviour. One to one
prevention counselling has a particular contribution in that it enables frank
discussion of sensitive aspects of a patient's lifesuch discussion may be
hampered in other settings by the patient's concern for confidentiality or
anxiety about a judgmental response. Also, when patients know that they
have HIV infection or disease, they may suffer great psychosocial and
psychological stresses through a fear of rejection, social stigma, disease
progression, and the uncertainties associated with future management of HIV.
Good clinical management requires that such issues be managed with
consistency

and

professionalism,

and
16

counselling

can

both

minimise

morbidity and reduce its occurrence. All counsellors in this field should have
formal counselling training and receive regular clinical supervision as part of
adherence to good standards of clinical practice.
WHO recent Consolidated guidelines on the use of antiretroviral drugs
for treating and preventing HIV infection: recommendations for a public
health approach recommends a preferred treatment regimen based on
tenofovir (TDF) in combination with lamivudine and efavirenz (TLE), or TDF
with efavirenz and emtricitabine (TEE). In addition, WHO recommends that
countries should discontinue stavudine (d4T) use in first-line regimens. The
implementation of these recommendations implies transition of nearly 1
million patients on d4T-based regimens and a gradual shift of between
2,000,000 and 3,800,000 patients on zidovudine (AZT) regimens to TLE or
TEE. As has been seen with previous regimen changes, any major transition
of patients is a significant undertaking that requires careful procurement and
supply chain management planning.
The recommendations in support of Option B+ in the prevention of
mother-to-child transmission, and adult treatment initiation at a CD4 count
500 cells/mm or lower will also increase the demand for antiretroviral (ARV)
medicines. Programs should plan carefully and discuss with their suppliers
the pace at which increased quantities of TDF-based product can be made
available. This will require a graduated process of transition. In order to
ensure that supply is available to meet anticipated demand, a phased
programme is highly recommended.
POLICIES AND STAFF EDUCATION PROGRAM
The establishment of a clear policy on HIV/AIDS in every healthcare
institution is very important in determining course of actions to consider. This
policy should be clearly understood by the personnel involved in the care of
HIV/AIDS patients. Likewise the policy should always be congruent with the
national policy for HIV/AIDS. In this regard, the researcher included the
Philippine law as part of the literatures to be cited in this study.
PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC ACT 8504 is an act promulgating policies and
procedures for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines,
instituting a nationwide HIV/AIDS information and educational program,
establishing a comprehensive HIV/AIDS monitoring system and strengthening
the Philippine National AIDS Council and for other purposes
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a disease that
recognizes no territorial, social, political and economic boundaries for which
there is no known cure. The gravity of the AIDS threat demands strong State
action today, thus: (a) The State shall promote public awareness about the
causes, modes of transmission, consequences, means of prevention and
17

control of HIV/AIDS through a comprehensive nationwide educational and

information

campaign

organized

and

conducted

by

the

State.

Such

campaigns shall promote value formation and employ scientifically proven

approaches, focus on the family as a basic social unit, and be carried out in
all schools and training centers, workplaces, and communities. This program
shall involve affected individuals and groups, including people living with
HIV/AIDS. (b) The State shall extend to every person suspected or known to
be infected with HIV/AIDS full protection of his/her human rights and civil
liberties. Towards this end: (1) Compulsory HIV testing shall be considered
unlawful unless otherwise provided in this Act; (2) The right to privacy of
individuals with HIV shall be guaranteed; (3) Discrimination, in all its forms
and subtleties, against individuals with HIV or persons perceived or suspected
of having HIV shall be considered inimical to individual and national interest;
and (4) Provision of basic health and social services for individuals with HIV
shall be assured. (c) The State shall promote utmost safety and universal
precautions in practices and procedures that carry the risk of HIV
transmission. (d) The State shall positively address and seek to eradicate
conditions that aggravate the spread of HIV infection, including but not
limited to, poverty, gender inequality, prostitution, marginalization, drug
abuse and ignorance. (e) The State shall recognize the potential role of
affected

individuals

in

propagating

vital

information

and

educational

messages about HIV/AIDS and shall utilize their experience to warn the public
about the disease.
Sec. 4 states that the Department of Education, Culture and Sports
(DECS), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical
Education

and skills Development Authority (TESDA), utilizing official

information provided by the Department of Health, shall integrate instruction

on the causes, modes of transmission and ways of preventing HIV/AIDS and
other sexually transmitted diseases in subjects taught in public and private
schools at intermediate grades, secondary and tertiary levels, including nonformal and indigenous learning systems: Provided, That if the integration of
HIV/AIDS education is not appropriate or feasible, the DECS and TESDA shall
design special modules on HIV/AIDS prevention and control: Provided,
further, That it shall not be used as an excuse to propagate birth control or
the sale or distribution of birth control devices: Provided, finally, That it does
not utilize sexually explicit materials.
Flexibility in the formulation and adoption of appropriate course
content, scope, and methodology in each educational level or group shall be
allowed after consultations with Parent-Teachers-Community Associations,
Private School Associations, school officials, and other interest groups. As
such, no instruction shall be offered to minors without adequate prior
18

consultation with parents who must agree to the thrust and content of the
instruction materials.
All teachers and instructors of said HIV/AIDS courses shall be required
to undergo a seminar or training on HIV/AIDS prevention and control to be
supervised by DECS, CHED and TESDA, in coordination with the Department
of Health (DOH), before they are allowed to teach on the subject.

Section 5 states that HIV/AIDS information as a health service

HIV/AIDS education and information dissemination shall form part of the
delivery of health services by health practitioners, workers and personnel.
The knowledge and capabilities of all public health workers shall be enhanced
to include skills for proper information dissemination and education on
HIV/AIDS. It shall likewise be considered a civic duty of health providers in the
private sector to make available to the public such information necessary to
control the spread of HIV/AIDS and to correct common misconceptions about
this disease. The training or health workers shall include discussions on HIVrelated ethical issues such as confidentiality, informed consent and the duty
to provide treatment.
Section 6 sates about HIV/AIDS education in the workplace All
government and private employees, workers, managers, and supervisors,
including members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the
Philippine National Police (PNP), shall be provided with the standardized basic
information and instruction on HIV/AIDS which shall include topics on
confidentiality in the workplace and attitude towards infected employees and
workers. In collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH), the Secretary
of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shall oversee the antiHIV/AIDS campaign in all private companies while the Armed Forces Chief of
Staff and the Director General of the PNP shall oversee the implementation of
this section
Section

states

about HIV/AIDS

education

for

Filipinos

going

abroad The State shall ensure that all overseas Filipino workers and
diplomatic, military, trade, and labor officials and personnel to be assigned
overseas shall undergo or attend a seminar on the cause, prevention and
consequences of HIV/AIDS before certification for overseas assignment. The
Department of Labor and Employment or the Department of Foreign Affairs,
the Department of Tourism and the Department of Justice through the Bureau
of Immigration, as the case may be, in collaboration with the Department of
Health (DOH), shall oversee the implementation of this Section.

19

Section 8 states about the Information campaign for tourists and

transients Informational aids or materials on the cause, modes of
transmission, prevention, and consequences of HIV infection shall be
adequately provided at all international ports of entry and exit. The
Department of Tourism, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of
Justice through the Bureau of Immigration, in collaboration with the
Department of Health (DOH), shall oversee the implementation of this Act.
Section 9 states about HIV/AIDS education in communities Local
government units, in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH),
shall conduct an educational and information campaign on HIV/AIDS. The
provincial governor, city or municipal mayor and the Barangay captain shall
coordinate such campaign among concerned government agencies, nongovernment organizations and church-based groups.
Section 10 states about Information on prophylactics Appropriate
information shall be attached to or provided with every prophylactic offered
for sale or given as a donation. Such information shall be legibly printed in
English and Filipino, and contain literature on the proper use of the
prophylactic device or agent, its efficacy against HIV and STD infection, as
well as the importance of sexual abstinence and mutual fidelity.
Section

11

states

about Penalties

for

misleading

information

Misinformation on HIV/AIDS prevention and control through false and

misleading advertising and claims in any of the tri-media or the promotional
marketing of drugs, devices, agents or procedures without prior approval
from the Department of Health and the Bureau of Food and Drugs and the
requisite medical and scientific basis, including markings and indications in
drugs and devises or agents, purporting to be a cure or a fail-safe
prophylactic for HIV infection is punishable with a penalty of imprisonment for
two (2) months to two (2) years, without prejudice to the imposition of
administrative sanctions such as fines and suspension or revocation of
professional or business license.
Additional concepts about the Philippine law on HIV/AIDS that are
found relevant for the study are cited on the next paragraphs of this chapter.
Sec. 12 states about Requirement on the donation of blood, tissue, or
organ No laboratory or institution shall accept a donation of tissue or organ,
whether such donation is gratuitous or onerous, unless a sample from the
donor has been tested negative for HIV. All donated blood shall also be
subjected to HIV testing and HIV (+) blood shall be disposed of properly and
immediately. A second testing may be demanded as a matter of right by the
blood, tissue, or organ recipient or his immediate relatives before transfusion
or transplant, except during emergency cases: Provided that donations of
20

blood, tissue, or organ testing positive for HIV may be accepted for research
purposes only, and subject to strict sanitary disposal requirements.
Section 13 states about Guidelines on surgical and similar procedures.
The Department of Health (DOH), in consultation and in coordination with
concerned professional organizations and hospital associations, shall issue
guidelines on precautions against HIV transmission during surgical, dental,
embalming, tattooing or similar procedures. The DOH shall likewise issue
guidelines on the handling and disposition of cadavers, body fluids or wastes
of persons known or believed to be HIV-positive. The necessary protective
equipment such as gloves, goggles and gowns, shall be made available to all
physicians and health care providers and similarly exposed personnel at all
times.

Section

14

states

about

Penalties

for

unsafe

practices

and

procedures Any person who knowingly or negligently causes another to get

infected with HIV in the course of the practice of his/her profession through
unsafe and unsanitary practice or procedure is liable to suffer a penalty of
imprisonment for six (6) years to twelve (12) years, without prejudice to the
imposition of administrative sanctions such as, but not limited to, fines and
suspension or revocation of the license to practice his/her profession. The
permit or license of any business entity and the accreditation of hospitals,
laboratory, or clinics may be cancelled or withdrawn if said establishments
fail to maintain such safe practices and procedures as may be required by the
guidelines to be formulated in compliance with Sec. 13 of this Act.
Section 15 states about Consent as a requisite for HIV testing No
compulsory HIV testing shall be allowed. However, the State shall encourage
voluntary

testing

for

individuals

with

high

risk

for

contracting

HIV: Provided, That written informed consent must first be obtained. Such
consent shall be obtained from the person concerned if he/she is of legal age
or from the parents or legal guardian in the case of a minor or a mentally
incapacitated individual. Lawful consent to HIV testing of a donated human
body, organ, tissue, or blood shall be considered as having been given when:
(a) A person volunteers or freely agrees to donate his/her blood, organ, or
tissue for transfusion, transplantation, or research; (b) A person has executed
a legacy in accordance with Sec. 3 of Republic Act No. 7170, also known as
the Organ Donation Act of 1991";

(c)

donation

accordance with Sec. 4 of Republic Act No. 7170.

21

is

executed

in

Section 16 states about Prohibitions on compulsory HIV testing

Compulsory HIV testing as a precondition to employment, admission to
educational institutions, the exercise of freedom of abode, entry or continued
stay in the country, or the right to travel, the provision of medical service or
any other kind of service, or the continued enjoyment of said undertakings
shall be deemed unlawful.
Section 17 states about Exception to the prohibition on compulsory
testing Compulsory HIV testing may be allowed only in the following
instances:
a) When a person is charged with any of the crimes punishable under
Articles 264 and 266 as amended by Republic Act No. 8353, 335 and 338 of
Republic Act No. 3815, otherwise known as the "Revised Penal Code" or under
Republic Act No. 7659;
b) When the determination of the HIV status is necessary to resolve the
relevant issues under Executive Order No. 309, otherwise known as the
"Family Code of the Philippines"; and
c) When complying with the provisions of Republic Act No. 7170,
otherwise known as the "Organ Donation Act" and Republic Act No. 7719,
otherwise known as the "National Blood Services Act".
Section 18 states about Anonymous HIV testing The State shall
provide a mechanism for anonymous HIV testing and shall guarantee
anonymity and medical confidentiality in the conduct of such tests.
Section 19 states about Accreditation of HIV Testing Centers All
testing centers, hospitals, clinics, and laboratories offering HIV testing
services are mandated to seek accreditation from the Department of Health
which shall set and maintain reasonable accreditation standards.
Section 20 states about Pre-test and post-test counseling All testing
centers, clinics, or laboratories which perform any HIV test shall be required
to provide and conduct free pre-test counseling and post-test counseling for
persons who avail of their HIV/AIDS testing services. However, such
counseling services must be provided only by persons who meet the
standards set by the DOH.
Section 21 states about Support for HIV Testing Centers The
Department of Health shall strategically build and enhance the capabilities
for HIV testing of hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and other testing centers
primarily, by ensuring the training of competent personnel who will provide
such services in said testing sites.
Section 22 states about Hospital-based services Persons with HIV/AIDS
shall be afforded basic health services in all government hospitals, without
prejudice to optimum medical care which may be provided by special AIDS
wards and hospitals.
22

Section 23 states about Community-based services Local government

units, in coordination and in cooperation with concerned government
agencies, non-government organizations, persons with HIV/AIDS and groups
most at risk of HIV infection shall provide community-based HIV/AIDS
prevention and care services.
Section 24 states about Livelihood programs and trainings Trainings
for livelihood, self-help cooperative programs shall be made accessible and
available to all persons with HIV/AIDS. Persons infected with HIV/AIDS shall
not be deprived of full participation in any livelihood, self-help and
cooperative programs for reason of their health conitions.
Section 25 states about Control of sexually transmitted diseases The
Department of Health, in coordination and in cooperation with concerned
government agencies and non-government organizations shall pursue the
prevention and control of sexually transmitted diseases to help contain the
spread of HIV infection.
Section 26 states about Insurance for persons with HIV The Secretary
of Health, in cooperation with the Commissioner of the Insurance Commission
and other public and private insurance agencies, shall conduct a study on the
feasibility and viability of setting up a package of insurance benefits and,
should such study warrant it, implement an insurance coverage program for
persons with HIV. The study shall be guided by the principle that access to
health insurance is part of an individual's right to health and is the
responsibility of the State and of society as a whole.
Section

27

states

about Monitoring

program

comprehensive

HIV/AIDS monitoring program or "AIDSWATCH" shall be established under the

Department of Health to determine and monitor the magnitude and
progression of HIV infection in the Philippines, and for the purpose of
evaluating the adequacy and efficacy of the countermeasures being
employed.
Section 28 states about Reporting procedures All hospitals, clinics,
laboratories, and testing centers for HIV/AIDS shall adopt measures in
assuring the reporting and confidentiality of any medical record, personal
data, file, including all data which may be accessed from various data banks
or information systems. The Department of Health through its AIDSWATCH
monitoring program shall receive, collate and evaluate all HIV/AIDS related
medical reports. The AIDSWATCH data base shall utilize a coding system that
promotes client anonymity.
Section 29 states about Contact tracing HIV/AIDS contact tracing and
all other related health intelligence activities may be pursued by the
Department of Health: Provided that these do not run counter to the general
purpose of this Act. Provided, further, that any information gathered shall
23

remain confidential and classified, and can only be used for statistical and
monitoring purposes and not as basis or qualification for any employment,
school attendance, freedom of abode, or travel.
Section

30

states

about Medical

confidentiality

All

health

professionals, medical instructors, workers, employers, recruitment agencies,

insurance companies, data encoders, and other custodians of any medical
record, file, data, or test results are directed to strictly observe confidentiality
in the handling of all medical information, particularly the identity and status
of persons with HIV.
Section 31 states about Exceptions to the mandate of confidentiality
Medical confidentiality shall not be considered breached in the following
cases:
(a) When complying with reportorial requirements in conjunction with
the AIDSWATCH programs provided in Sec. 27 of this Act;
(b) When informing other health workers directly involved or about to
be involved in the treatment or care of a person with HIV/AIDS: Provided, That
such treatment or care carry the risk of HIV transmission: Provided, further,
That such workers shall be obliged to maintain the shared medical
confidentiality;
(c) When responding to a subpoena duces tecum and subpoena ad
testificandum issued by a Court with jurisdiction over a legal proceeding
where the main issue is the HIV status of an individual: Provided, That the
confidential medical record shall be properly sealed by its lawful custodian
after being double-checked for accuracy by the head of the office or
department, hand delivered, and personally opened by the judge: Provided,
further, That the judicial proceedings be held in executive session.
Section 32 states about Release of HIV/AIDS test results All results of
HIV/AIDS testing shall be confidential and shall be released only to the
following persons: (a) The person who submitted himself/herself to such test;
(b) Either parent of a minor child who has been tested; (c) A legal guardian in
the case of insane persons or orphans; (d)A person authorized to receive such
results in conjunction with the AIDSWATCH program as provided in Sec. 27 of
this Act; (e) A justice of the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court, as
provided under sub Sec. (c) of this Act and in accordance with the provision of
Sec. 16 hereof.
Section 33 states about Penalties for violations of confidentiality Any
violation of medical confidentiality as provided in Sections 30 and 32 of this
Act shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment for six (6) months to four (4)
years, without prejudice to administrative sanctions such as fines and
suspension or revocation of the violator's license to practice his/her

24

profession, as well as the cancellation or withdrawal of the license to operate

any business entity and the accreditation of hospitals, laboratories or clinics.
Section 34 states about Disclosure to sexual partners Any person
with HIV is obliged to disclose his/her HIV status and health condition to
his/her spouse or sexual partner at the earliest opportune time.
Sec. 35 states about Discrimination in the workplace Discrimination in
any form from pre-employment to post-employment, including hiring,
promotion or assignment, based on the actual, perceived or suspected HIV
status of an individual is prohibited. Termination from work on the sole basis
of actual, perceived or suspected HIV status is deemed unlawful.
Section 36 states about Discrimination in schools No educational
institution shall refuse admission or expel, discipline, segregate, deny
participation, benefits or services to a student or prospective student on the
basis of his/her actual, perceived or suspected HIV status.
Section 37 states about Restrictions on travel and habitation The
freedom of abode, lodging and travel of a person with HIV shall not be
abridged. No person shall be quarantined, placed in isolation, or refused
lawful entry into or deported from Philippine territory on account of his/her
actual, perceived or suspected HIV status.
Section 38 states about Inhibition from public service The right to
seek an elective or appointive public office shall not be denied to a person
with HIV.
Section

39 states

about

Exclusion

from

credit

and

insurance

services All credit and loan services, including health, accident and life
insurance shall not be denied to a person on the basis of his/her actual,
perceived or suspected HIV status: Provided, That the person with HIV has not
concealed or misrepresented the fact to the insurance company upon
application. Extension and continuation of credit and loan shall likewise not
be denied solely on the basis of said health condition.
Section

40 states

about

Discrimination

in

hospitals

and

health

institutions No person shall be denied health care service or be charged

with a higher fee on account of actual, perceived or suspected HIV status.
Section 41 states about Denial of burial services A deceased person
who had AIDS or who was known, suspected or perceived to be HIV-positive
shall not be denied any kind of decent burial services.
Section 42 states about Penalties for discriminatory acts and policies
All discriminatory acts and policies referred to in this Act shall be punishable
with a penalty of imprisonment for six (6) months to four (4) years and a fine
not exceeding Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00). In addition, licenses/permits
of schools, hospitals and other institutions found guilty of committing
discriminatory acts and policies described in this Act shall be revoked.
25

Sec. 43 states about Establishment The Philippine National AIDS

Council (PNAC) created by virtue of Executive Order No. 39 dated 3
December 1992 shall be reconstituted and strengthened to enable the
Council to oversee an integrated and comprehensive approach to HIV/AIDS
prevention and control in the Philippines. It shall be attached to the
Department of Health.
Section 44 states about Functions The Council shall be the central
advisory, planning and policy-making body for the comprehensive and
integrated HIV/AIDS prevention and control program in the Philippines. The
Council shall perform the following functions:
(a) Secure from government agencies concerned recommendations on
how their respective agencies could operationalize specific provisions of this
Act. The Council shall integrate and coordinate such recommendations and
issue implementing rules and regulations of this Act. The Council shall
likewise ensure that there is adequate coverage of the following: (1) The
institution of a nationwide HIV/AIDS information and education program; (2)
The establishment of a comprehensive HIV/AIDS monitoring system; (3) The
issuance of guidelines on medical and other practices and procedures that
carry the risk of HIV transmission; (4) The provision of accessible and
affordable HIV testing and counseling services to those who are in need of it;
(5) The provision of acceptable health and support services for persons with
HIV/AIDS in hospitals and in communities; (6) The protection and promotion
of the rights of individuals with HIV; and (7) The strict observance of medical
confidentiality.
(b) Monitor the implementation of the rules and regulations of this Act,
issue or cause the issuance of orders or make recommendations to the
implementing agencies as the Council considers appropriate;
(c) Develop a comprehensive long-term national HIV/AIDS prevention
and control program and monitor its implementation;
(d) Coordinate the activities of and strengthen working relationships
between

government

and

non-government

agencies

cooperate

foreign

involved

in

the

campaign against HIV/AIDS;

(e)

Coordinate

and

with

and

international

organizations regarding data collection, research and treatment modalities

concerning HIV/AIDS; and
(f) Evaluate the adequacy of and make recommendations regarding
the utilization of national resources for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS
in the Philippines.
Section 45 states about Membership and composition (a) The Council
shall be composed of twenty-six (26) members as follows: (1) The Secretary
of the Department of Health; (2) The Secretary of the Department of
26

Education, Culture and Sports or his representative; (3) The Chairperson of

the Commission on Higher Education or his representative; (4) The DirectorGeneral of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority or his
representative;

(5)

The

Secretary

of

the

Department

of

Labor

and

Employment or his representative; (6) The Secretary of the Department of

Social Welfare and Development or his representative; (7) The Secretary of
the Department of the Interior and Local Government or his representative;
(8) The Secretary of the Department of Justice or his representative; (9) The
Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority or his
representative; (10) The Secretary of the Department of Tourism or his
representative; (11) The Secretary of the Department of Budget and
Management or his representative; (12) The Secretary of the Department of
Foreign Affairs or his representative;(13) The Head of the Philippine
Information Agency or his representative; (14) The President of the League of
Governors or his representative;(15) The President of the League of City
Mayors or his representative; (16) The Chairperson of the Committee on
Health of the Senate of the Philippines or his representative; (17) The
Chairperson of the Committee on Health of the House of Representatives or
his representative;
medical/health

(18) Two (2) representatives from organizations of

professionals;

(19)

Six

(6)

representatives

from

non-

government organizations involved in HIV/AIDS prevention and control efforts

or activities; and(20) A representative of an organization of persons dealing
with HIV/AIDS.
(b) To the greatest extent possible, appointment to the Council must
ensure sufficient and discernible representation from the fields of medicine,
education, health care, law, labor, ethics and social services;
(c) All members of the Council shall be appointed by the President of
the Republic of the Philippines, except for the representatives of the Senate
and the House of Representatives, who shall be appointed by the Senate
President and the House Speaker, respectively;
(d) The members of the Council shall be appointed not later than thirty
(30) days after the date of the enactment of this Act; (e) The Secretary of
Health shall be the permanent chairperson of the Council; however, the vicechairperson shall be elected by its members from among themselves, and
shall serve for a term of two (2) years; and (f) For members representing
medical/health

professional

groups

and

the

six

(6)

non-government

organizations, they shall serve for a term of two (2) years, renewable upon
recommendation of the Council.
Section 46 Reports The Council shall submit to the President and to both
Houses of Congress comprehensive annual reports on the activities and
accomplishments

of

the

Council.

Such
27

annual

reports

shall

contain

assessments and evaluation of intervention programs, plans and strategies

for the medium- and long-term prevention and control program on HIV/AIDS
in the Philippines.
Section 47 states about Creation of Special HIV/AIDS Prevention and
Control Service There shall be created in the Department of Health a Special
HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Service staffed by qualified medical
specialists and support staff with permanent appointment and supported with
an adequate yearly budget. It shall implement programs on HIV/AIDS
prevention and control. In addition, it shall also serve as the secretariat of the
Council.

SYNTHESIS
HIV/AIDS is a communicable disease which carries a social stigma in
our community. The prevalence of such disease is quite alarming and the
growing number of cases both globally and locally requires prompt attention.
Healthcare workers involved in the care of these patients must be aware of
the know-hows to provide the best, safe, effective and quality care. On the
other hand, this awareness is a good avenue to conduct a study. The
awareness of the healthcare providers should be taken into consideration for
designing an education program that would dynamically respond to their
learning needs. Likewise this would also be a leverage of a continuous
support on the learning and growth of the employees.
The study is similar to other studies done. It focused on assessing the
level of awareness of the hospital staff on HIV/AIDS and utilizing it as basis for
determining appropriate education program. The milieu of the study also so
make it similar with other studies since it was conducted in a hospital setting
since the primary concern are the health care providers in a caring institution.
The core aspect of the research conduct makes it different from other
studies. The initiative to assess the level of awareness as a basis for staff
education program makes it unique because it is institution based. And of
course the integration of concepts of different studies, theories and
literatures that made the researcher decided to pursue this study.

28

CHAPTER III
METHOD
This chapter presents the process and totality of procedures
through which this study was established. This part covered the discussion on
the research design utilized in this study. The sampling technique and the
research instruments used, the data gathering procedure and statistical
treatment.
RESEARCH DESIGN
The study used descriptive quantitative correlational research
design. In this type of research, the subjects are usually measured once and
it establishes only associations between variables. The design was conducted
to assess the level of awareness of hospital staff on HIV/AIDS.
PARTICIPANTS
The participants of the study are professionals involve in the care
of HIV/AIDS patients. These include medical consultants and residents,
Nurses, Nurse Assistants, Medical Technologist, Respiratory Therapist, Cardio
technicians, physical therapists, pharmacist, dieticians and other personnel
involved in the provision of care. The respondents were chosen using a non
probability purposive sampling technique.
SETTING
29

An institution that is dedicated in achieving its vision of being a

center of excellence is the milieu of the study. Mary Johnston Hospital is a
non-stock, non-profit missionary hospital situated in the heart of Tondo. The
institution is accredited by the Department of Health as Level III Training
Institution. Presently it has residency training program for Physicians and
update various seminars and updates.
The institution based on the report of the Infection Control has
already catered 5 HIV diagnosed patients for the past 3 years.
INSTRUMENTATION
The researcher developed a 3 point Scale Questionnaire to assess the
level of awareness of hospital staff on HIV/AIDS. The questionnaire is divided
into two parts: the First Part is the work position of the respondents. The
second part is composed of the parameters to assess the level of awareness
which is subdivided into four (4) indicators. The first indicator is the
admission. The second indicator is the disease process. The third indicator is
care management and the last indicator is the institutional policy.

The mean ranges set by the researcher were as follows: 1.0-1.66=

partial awareness; 1.67-2.33= Moderate Awareness; 2.34-3.00= Extensive
Awareness.
Experts validated the instrument that was used. The instrument was
pilot tested and subjected to content validity and reliability by Cronbach
Alpha with a set coefficient more than 0.70. The result was 0.96 that denoted
the tool was valid and reliable to use.
PROCEDURES
Instruments were given to respective persons for validation and
recommendations. A written letter of intent to conduct a study was submitted
to the Research Committee. Upon approval of the research conduct, a written
letter of intent was submitted to the Medical Director. Permission in
conducting the study at Mary Johnston Hospital was secured.
Given the permission, the researcher asked the participants to sign
an informed consent for legal purposes. They were asked to answer a 3 point
scale Questionnaire to determine their level of awareness on HIV/AIDS
DATA ANALYSIS
In order to answer the sub problems and hypothesis of the study, the
following statistical tools will be employed.

30

A non parametric statistical analysis was utilized as statistical

treament.
Percentage was utilized to determine the demographic profile of the
respondents.
Weighted mean score was utilized as a statistical treatment to
determine the assessment of the respondents on the level of their awareness
on HIV/AIDS.
Pearson R was employed to establish the correlation between the
demographic profile and level of awareness of the respondents.
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) will be employed to
facilitate accuracy in computing data.
LIMITATIONS
The study aimed to assess the level of awareness of the hospital staff
on HIV/AIDS. The study is limited to medical consultants and residents,
Nurses, Nurse Assistants, Medical Technologist, Respiratory Therapist, Cardio
technicians, physical therapists, pharmacist and dieticians and others
involved in the care of HIV/AIDS patients.
The study is limited on assessing the level of awareness of the
respondents as a basis in developing structured staff education program.

CHAPTER IV
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This chapter contains a thorough discussion of the findings of the
present study, which includes an in-depth analysis of the presented results
through the researchers observation, which are further supported by related
studies and readings.
SUB PROBLEM NO 1: DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF THE RESPONDENTS
Table1: Age Distribution
AGE
20-30
31-40
41-50
51-60

years old
years old
years old
years

PERCENTAGE
51.40%
26.40%
18.00%
4.20%

31

Table 1 presents the percentage distribution of the age of the

respondents. As shown in the table, the highest percentage

of 51.40%

belong to the age bracket of 20-30 years old and the lowest percentage of
4.2% belong to the age group of 51-60 years of age. Data suggested that the
age group of the working population is well represented. Age of the
respondents may be one of the factors to consider in assessing their level of
awareness. We can therefore speculate that the ability to attend to important
information will also change with their age due to changes in the cognitive
ability and these will be more apparent as task complexity increases,
(Bolstad, 2001).
Analyzing

further,

the

highest

percentage

of

51.40%

are

the

respondents who belong to the age group of 20-30 years old. It can be
construed that most of the respondents are infants in professional practices
since the working age in our country starts at 20 years old and above
depending on their degree. Being young in professional practice, it may imply
that they may have lesser experience in the care of HIV/AIDS patients that
may limit their awareness in the said condition. Though the respondents have
foundational knowledge about HIV/AIDS during the completion of their
degree, it is different when you encounter these concepts in the practice.
On the other hand, the age group that garnered the lowest percentage
of 4.2% is 50-60 years old. This age group is said to be near retiring stage.
This may imply two things. First is that this age group may have lesser
updates on the current trends and practice on the care of HIV/AIDS patients
and second is, this age group may be experienced in the care of HIV/AIDS
patients since they are the elders of practice. These two implications may or
may not affect the level of their awareness on HIV/AIDS based on the criteria
identified by the researcher.

Table 2: Nature of Work Distribution

NATURE OF WORK
Consultant
Dietician
Medical Technologist
Nurse
Nurse Assistant
Pharmacist
Physical Therapist
Radio technician
Resident
Respiratory Therapist
Others

PERCENTAGE
5.6%
4.2%
13.9%
33.3%
6.9%
8.3%
2.8%
11.1%
5.6%
6.9%
1.4%

Table 2 presents the percentage distribution of the nature of work of

the respondents. As shown in the table, the nurses garnered the highest
32

percentage of 33.33% while the lowest percentage of 1.4% was garnered by

the housekeeping personnel. The data suggested that the respondents were
selected randomly and the personnel who are involved in the holistic care of
HIV/AIDS patients are included in the study.
Analyzing further, nurse garnered the highest percentage of 33.33% in
the nature of work distribution. This implies that they are more in number
compared to other health care personnel. Nurses as front liners in the
delivery of care are important in this study and their level of awareness on
HIV/AIDS must be given consideration. Nature of work is an important
consideration in identifying direct involvement in the care of HIV/AIDS
patients.
On the other hand, the housekeeping personnel garnered the lowest
percentage of 1.4% in the nature of work distribution. They are also involved
in the care of HIV/AIDS patients through maintaining sanitation in the
environment of the patients. In this manner, their awareness on HIV/AIDS
play a pivotal role in this study because of their involvement in the care of
the patients. The data suggested that the respondents not only represented
the medical team directly involved in the provision of care but also other
personnel whether professionals or not.
Table 3: Length of Service Distribution
LENGTH OF SERVICE
1-5 years
6-10 years
More than 10 years

PERCENTAGE
59.7%
20.8%
19.5%

Table 3 presents the percentage distribution of the length of service of

the respondents. As shown in the table, the highest percentage of 59.7% was
1-5 years while the lowest percentage was more than 10 years. Data
suggested that majority of the respondents are on the novice to competent
stage of career ladder by Patricia Benner. It implies that most of the
respondents are on the process of building concepts and structuring
foundations on their professional development.
Analyzing further, the highest percentage of 59.70% as to 1-5 years of
experience denotes that majority of the respondents are novice in practice.
This bracket of length of experience signifies infancy of professional practice.
It may be construed that these respondents may have lesser experience in
the care of HIV/AIDS patients and may need continuous reinforcement in
provision of quality care and service.
On the other hand the lowest percentage of 19.5% as to more than 10
years of experience denotes that they may already have proficiency and

33

expertise in their fields, according to Patricia Benner, experience is a

prerequisite for professional development.
SUB PROBLEM NO.2: LEVEL OF AWARENESS OF THE RESPONDENTS
ON HIV/AIDS
Table 4: Level of Awareness on Admission
ADMISSION

MEAN

INTERPRETAT

Patient with CD4 T cell count less than 350 and

SCORE
2.22

ION
Moderate

has developed complications shall be admitted in

a health care institution
Attending physician shall advise patients with

Awareness
2.72

signs and symptoms and is suspected with HIV or

AIDS for screening
Patient diagnosed (with laboratory result) with HIV

Awareness
2.67

or AIDS shall be referred to specialized healthcare

institution
Patient diagnosed with HIV or AIDS shall receive

Extensive
Awareness

2.69

appropriate precautionary measures based on the

condition and presenting signs and symptoms
Patient diagnosed with HIV and AIDS shall receive

Extensive

Extensive
Awareness

2.71

non discriminatory care and confidentiality during

Extensive
Awareness

course of treatment
TOTAL

2.60

Extensive

MEAN
Awareness
Legend: 1.0-1.66= partial awareness; 1.67-2.33= Moderate Awareness; 2.343.00=Extensive Awareness.

Table 4 presents the mean and interpretation of the level of awareness

of the respondents on HIV/AIDS based on admission. As shown in the table,
the obtained general mean is 2.60 with an interpretation of extensive
awareness. Data suggest that the respondents have extensive awareness on
the admission of HIV/AIDS patients. It is important for the healthcare
providers to have awareness on the know-how of admission, as they are the
main personas in the provision of care. This awareness on admission may
give them a concept of the important considerations in the provision of care
in a clinical setting. Thus, effective frontline care can be rendered.
Analyzing further, it can also be seen that the item under admission
that garnered the highest mean of 2.72 with an interpretation of extensive
awareness is Attending physician shall advise patients with signs and
34

symptoms and is suspected with HIV or AIDS for screening. Based on the
findings, it may be construed that the respondents have an awareness of the
importance of screening patients with presenting signs and symptoms. Early
detection of HIV/AIDS is very important in the course of treatment. HIV
Testing is voluntary, confidential and anonymous, with pre and post-test
counselling, (PNAC, 2013). It can also be deduced that the respondents have
an awareness of the responsibility of the physicians to request for screening
on suspected patients upon their consent. Studies have shown that most of
the diagnosed cases of HIV/AIDS are detected in healthcare institutions where
patients infected by the virus sought for treatment.
On the other hand, the specific item that obtained the lowest mean of
2.22 with an interpretation of moderate awareness is Patient with CD4 T cell
count less than 350 and has developed complications shall be admitted in a
health care institution. The data suggested that though it garnered the lowest
mean still respondents have a moderate awareness on it. CD4 cells are type
of white blood cell that fights infection. It is one of the important parameters
that indicates the stage of HIV disease, guides treatment, and predicts how
the disease may progress. It is through keeping the CD4 count high can
reduce complications of HIV disease and extend your life (WebMD, 2013).
Based on the findings, the respondents are aware about the relevance of
determining CD4 count in the progression of HIV/AIDS, has a background on
its normal value and how this value is important in determining admission of
patients. In this manner, it implies that as healthcare workers their awareness
on CD4 counts relevance to HIV/AIDS could contribute for the provision of
effective and quality care.
Moreover,

admission

awareness

on

HIV/AIDS

is

necessary

in

determining the course of care and treatment for the infected patients.

Table 5: Level of Awareness on Disease Process

DISEASE PROCESS

AIDS is defined in any diagnosed individual with

MEAN

INTERPRETAT

SCOR

ION

E
2.11

Moderate

CD4 T cell count of <350 u/l based on DOH

Guidelines.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus is the causative
agent of AIDS

Awareness
2.50

Extensive
Awareness

35

Transmitted primarily by unprotected/penetrative

2.64

sexual intercourse, infected bl ood and other blood

Extensive
Awareness

products and infected mother to child transmission.

Patients diagnosed with HIV or AIDS are high risk to

2.56

Extensive

be immunocompromised
There is no cure for HIV and AIDS but Anti retroviral

2.56

Awareness
Extensive

therapy suppresses multiplication of virus and

Awareness

prolongs life of a person with HIV or AIDS.

TOTAL

2.47

Extensive

MEAN
Awareness
Legend: 1.0-1.66= partial awareness; 1.67-2.33= Moderate Awareness; 2.343.00=Extensive Awareness.
Table 5 presents the mean and interpretation of the level of awareness
of the respondents on HIV/AIDS based on disease process. As shown in the
table, the obtained general mean is 2.47 with an interpretation of extensive
awareness. Data suggest that the respondents are aware of the definition,
mode of transmission, condition and the treatment options of HIV/AIDS. It
implies that the respondents are able to provide safe and effective care to the
patients. Also, the social stigma and fear of contact with infected patients
could be alleviated by this awareness of the respondents on the disease
process.
Analyzing further, the specific item under Disease process that
garnered the highest mean of 2.64 with an interpretation of extensive
awareness is the mode of transmission of the HIV/AIDS. HIV is transmitted in
human body fluids by three major routes: (1) sexual intercourse through
vaginal, rectal, or penile tissues; (2) direct injection with HIV-contaminated
drugs, needles, syringes, blood or blood products; and (3) from HIV-infected
mother to fetus in utero, through intrapartum inoculation from mother to
infant or during breast-feeding (Stine 155). According to the CDC, HIV is not
spread by tears, sweat, coughing or sneezing. Nor it is transmitted via a an
infected person's clothes, phone, driking glasses, eating utensils or other
objects that HIV- infected people have used that are free of blood (AISD.gov,
2012). Awareness on the mode of transmission of HIV/AIDS is very important
in the provision of safe and effective care. Cross contamination from the
patient to healthcare providers will be prevented. Likewise, hesitation on
patient contact as a barrier in providing quality care among the infected
patients is alleviated. Data is suggestive of the extensive awareness of the
respondents on the mode of transmission of the disease, which may imply
practice of transmission based precaution in the care of the infected patient.
On the other hand, the item that obtained the lowest mean of 2.11
with an interpretation of moderate awareness is AIDS is defined in any
diagnosed individual with CDU T Cell Count of <350 u/L based on DOH
36

Guidelines though it garnered the lowest mean still, the respondents rated it
with moderate awareness. This implies that the respondents are aware about
the definition of AIDS and how it differs from HIV. Since AIDS and HIV are not
interchangeable terms. In order for a disease to be understood, a clear
definition and defining characteristics must be known. In this matter, the
respondents are aware of the diseases definition which may give them clear
concept about the disease.
Moreover, the definition of AIDS should be clearly understood and the
difference of it from HIV should be determined.
Table 6: Level of Awareness on Care Management
CARE MANAGEMENT

Prevention of infection/complication is one of the

MEAN

INTERPRETAT

SCOR

ION

E
2.62

Extensive

primary concerns of treatment in HIV and AIDS

patient
All healthcare

workers

shall

observe

reverse

Awareness
2.48

isolation and Standard Precaution all the time in

taking care of patient diagnosed with HIV or AIDS
Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment such as

Extensive
Awareness

2.56

gloves, gown and protective eyewear shall be the

Extensive
Awareness

first line of defense against direct blood exposure

from infected patient
Meticulous terminal cleaning shall be done to room
evacuated by HIV/AIDS patient
Health education shall be provided to relative/s or

2.47

Extensive

2.53

Awareness
Extensive

significant others who are taking care of patient

with HIV/AIDS.
Psychological and

spiritual

counselling

are

essential to patient with HIV/AIDS patients

All patient died AIDS related complications shall be
securely covered with specialized identification tag.
TOTAL

Awareness
2.53

Extensive

2.29

Awareness
Moderate

2.50

Awareness
Extensive

MEAN
Awareness
Legend: 1.0-1.66= partial awareness; 1.67-2.33= Moderate Awareness; 2.343.00=Extensive Awareness.

Table 6 presents the mean and interpretation of the awareness of the

respondents on HIV/AIDS based on management. As shown in the table, the
obtained general mean is 2.50 with an interpretation of extensive awareness.
Data suggest that the respondents have understanding on the management
of the disease which include not only medical management but the totality of
37

the care provision. It implies that through this awareness the respondents
may render effective management to the HIV/AIDS patients
Analyzing further the specific item that obtained the highest mean of
2.62 with an interpretation of extensive awareness is Prevention of
infection/complication is one of the primary concerns of treatment in HIV and
AIDS patient. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
often develop multiple complications and comorbidities. Opportunistic
infections should always be considered in the evaluation of symptomatic
patients with advanced HIV/AIDS, although the overall incidence of these
infections has decreased, (Chu, Carolyn, et.al. 2011). HIV/AIDS is an
immunologic disorder which attacks the CD4 T helper cells in the body which
fight against infection. The decrease in CD4 T helper cells places the
individual to be susceptible to infection and opportunistic diseases. The
awareness on managing the disease through prevention of infection warrants
alleviation of further complications. This awareness implies the provision of
care to give emphasis on the preventive aspect thus precautionary measures
could be determined and established.
On the other hand, the specific item under management that obtained
the lowest mean of 2.29 with an interpretation of moderate awareness is All
patient died with AIDS related complications shall be securely covered with
specialized identification tag though this item obtained the lowest mean still
the respondents have moderate awareness on it. As part of immediate
postmortem

care,

deceased

persons

should

be

identified

and

that

identification should remain with the body, (CDC, 1983). It is important to

cover and label the body of AIDS patients who died on complications with
specialized identification tag to avoid cross contamination. The awareness of
the respondents on this matter implies a responsibility to ensure proper
observance of precautionary measures in the post mortem care of the
patients. Identification tags will signify or aware the persons involved in the
post mortem care about the precautions they must observe to avoid cross
contamination. This will further prevent the spread of the disease since
HIV/AIDS may be transmitted through blood exposure.
Moreover, the awareness of the respondents on the management of
the HIV/AIDS denotes a provision of holistic care to patients including spiritual
care and counselling and is deemed rooted on the preventive aspect of care.

38

Table 7: Level of Awareness on Institutional Policy

INSTITUTIONAL POLICY

MEAN

INTERPRETAT

Mary Johnston Hospital is capable in taking care of

SCORE
2.25

ION
Moderate

patients with HIV or AIDS.

Patients diagnosed with HIV or AIDS shall receive

2.53

Awareness
Extensive

non-discriminatory Medical-Surgical and nursing

Awareness

management.
All healthcare workers shall observe the right of

2.61

Extensive

confidentiality of patient with HIV or AIDS

Needle stick
injury and body fluid exposure

2.67

Awareness
Extensive

incidents from patients with HIV or AIDS shall be

reported immediately to Infection Control Staff
Post exposure prophylaxis and management shall

Awareness
2.40

Extensive

2.49

Awareness
Extensive

be done.
TOTAL

MEAN
Awareness
Legend: 1.0-1.66= partial awareness; 1.67-2.33= Moderate Awareness; 2.343.00=Extensive Awareness.
Table 7 presents the mean distribution and interpretation of awareness
of the respondents on HIV/AIDS based on the institutional policy. As shown in
the table, the obtained general mean is 2.49 with an interpretation of
extensive awareness. Data suggest that the respondents have an awareness
on the existing institutional policy on HIV/AIDS. Thus observance of this
framework of provision of care shall be ensured.
Analyzing further, the item which obtained the highest mean of 2.67
with an interpretation of extensive awareness is Needle stick injury and body
fluid exposure incidents from patients with HIV/AIDS shall be reported
immediately to Infection Control Staff. This implies that the respondents
have extensive awareness of their responsibility to report needle stick injuries
to determine future course of actions. In this matter cross contamination to
the health care providers could be prevented. Because of the environment in
which they work, many health care workers are at an increased risk of
accidental needle stick injuries (NSI). As a result, these workers are at risk of
occupational acquisition of blood borne pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B
and C, and other diseases, (Sharma, R.,et., al., 2010). The most common
cross contamination of HIV/AIDS from patient to health care providers is
through needle stick injuries. Therefore, it is necessary to report the
occurrence of this injury to Infection Control Staff to determine course of
action and monitoring of the health care providers who have been afflicted
with injuries should be done.

39

On the other hand the specific item which obtained the lowest mean of
2.25 with an interpretation of moderate awareness is Mary Johnston Hospital
is capable in taking care of patients with HIV or AIDS. Data suggest that the
respondents considered the institutional limitations as per Mary Johnston
Hospital is not a specialty institution dealing with said diseases. Though it
gained the lowest mean, still the respondents have a moderate awareness
about this matter. It is deem important in considering facilities, staff
knowledge, skills and capabilities in taking care of person infected with
HIV/AIDS in this sense, the institution, as an accredited tertiary and training
hospital has the capacities to render care for HIV/AIDS patients but the
referral system to the specialty institutions for communicable diseases should
be observed.
Table 8: Summary of the Level of Awareness of the Respondents on
HIV/AIDS
LEVEL OF AWARENESS

MEAN

INTERPRETATI

Admission

SCORE
2.60

ON
Extensive

Disease Process

2.47

Awareness
Extensive

Management

2.50

Awareness
Extensive

Policies and Procedures

2.49

Awareness
Extensive

2.52

Awareness
Extensive

GRAND

MEAN
Awareness
Legend: 1.0-1.66= partial awareness; 1.67-2.33= Moderate Awareness; 2.343.00=Extensive Awareness.
Table 8 presents the awareness of the respondents on HIV/AIDS based
on admission, disease process, care management and institutional policy as
identified by the researcher. As shown in the table, the grand mean obtained
is 2.52 with an interpretation of extensive awareness. This awareness of
health care providers on HIV/AIDS is pivotal in provision of care. It is also
relevant to the development of staff education program that will broaden
their understanding of the disease and strengthen their foundation in such
dealings and undertaking.
Analyzing further, admission gathered the highest mean of 2.60 with
an interpretation of extensive awareness. Data suggest that the respondents
identified their roles and responsibilities as frontline healthcare providers on
patient diagnosed with HIVAIDS. Understanding of the know-hows of

40

admission is relevant in determining processes included in such undertaking.

Referral system is an important factor to consider in this matter and
admission should delineate safe and effective provision of care. Having an
extensive awareness on the admission of HIV/AIDS implies an effective and
efficient determination of the course of action.
On the other hand, disease process gained the lowest mean of 2.47
with an interpretation of extensive awareness. Disease process delineates the
concepts underlying the disease from its characteristics to the course of
treatment. Though it gained the lowest mean still the respondents have an
extensive awareness about it. This may imply that the respondents are
capable of rendering care to these patients because of their understanding of
the concepts underlying HIV/AIDS. This awareness may also lead them to
determine a care system appropriate to the disease condition which will
ensure quality, safe and effective care is rendered.
Moreover, the respondents who are represent all health care providers
involved in the holistic care of patients have extensive awareness on
HIV/AIDS that would determine provision of quality of care. This awareness
should be strengthened and supported. Areas wherein awareness may seem
to be low should be addressed through staff education program that would
also provide understanding of the concepts underlying the disease condition.
SUB PROBLEM NO 3. RELATIONSHIP OF DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE AND
LEVEL OF AWARENESS OF THE RESPONDENTS ON HIV/AIDS
Table 9: Significant Relationship between Demographic Profile and
Level of Awareness of the Respondents on HIV/AIDS
Variables

Admission

Disease Process

Management

Age

-.005

-.044

-.050

Int.

No or

Nature

Int.

Length

of

of

Work

Servic

-.233

e
-.112

weak

Int.

No or

negligibl

negative

negligible

relations

relations

relations

hip

hip

hip
No or

-.173

No or

-.134

No or

negligibl

negligibl

negligible

relations

relations

relations

hip

hip
No or

hip
No or

-.185

negligibl

negligibl
41

-.184

No or
negligible

Policies and

-.002

Procedures

relations

relations

relations

hip

hip
No or

-.237

hip
weak

-.174

No or

negligibl

negative

negligible

relations

relations

relations

hip

hip

hip
Table 9 presents the relationship between the Demographic profile of
the respondents and their level of awareness on HIV/AIDS. In general, all
variable identified are not significantly correlated.
On the Age, the obtained values, admission (p= -0.0005), Disease
Process (p= -0.044), Care Management (p= -0.50) and Institutional Policy (p=
-0.002) suggest that there are no significant relationship between age and
the level of awareness of the respondents on HIV/AIDS. Based on the findings,
age is not a determinant of the level of awareness of the respondents. It can
be attributed to the fact that it is through encounter that a person becomes
aware of the underlying concepts. It can be construed, that age is an
independent variable which does not create relationship or impact on the
level of awareness.
On the Nature of Work, the obtained values of Admission (p= -0.233),
Disease Process (p= -0.173), Case Management (p= -0.185) and Institutional
Policy (p= -0.237) suggest that nature of work is not significantly related to
the level of awareness of the respondents on HIV/AIDS. It is a fact that the
respondents represent different personnel who are involved in the care of
HIV/AIDIS patient. They vary from the nature of work and educational degree
and even to the training they have. One common denominator these
respondents have is that they render care to patients. The results of the
study imply that the level of awareness is not related or is not affected by the
Nature of work the respondents have. Though, there is a variation on it, still it
shows no correlation. This result may be strength of this study because it
delineates no biases in the selection of the respondents.
On the length of experience, the obtained values of Admission (p=
-0112), Disease Process (p= -0.134), Case Management (p= -0.184) and
Institutional Policy (p= -0.174) suggest that nature of work is not significantly
related to the level of awareness of the respondents on HIV/AIDS. Though the
respondents vary in their years of experience, it did not affect the level of
their awareness about AIDS. It implies that experience is not a contributory
factor to their level of awareness thus the variations in experience is not a
determinant. In the same way, the results of the study delineate experience
as a separate entity in the level of awareness of the hospital staff. Thus, an
42

education program should encompass all healthcare providers regardless of

their experience.
It can also be construed that an education program should not only
include novice staff in practice but also those who have been in practice for
years. It also denotes that a dynamic education program should be designed
in ways to refresh foundational concepts of the participants. This must
include updates and latest trends in practice.
Moreover, the non relationship of the demographic profile and level of
awareness suggest that profile is a separate entity and a good basis of
determining the participants in the education program. This could also be a
basis in the design of the program that would dynamically encompass
variations as to age, nature of work and length of experience.

SUB PROBLEM NO 4. PROPOSED STAFF EDUCATION PROGRAM

Staff Education

Admissi
on

Disease
process

Care
Managem
ent

Institutio
nal
Policy

Program
43

Figure 3: Staf Education Framework

Figure 3 presents the proposed staff education program of HIV/AIDS for
the institution. This framework is the basis for designing education program
to promoted awareness of the health care provider on HIV/AIDS which is
deemed beneficial for the provision of safe, effective and quality care.
STAFF EDUCATION PROGRAM ON HIV/AIDS
General Objective: To promote awareness of the health care provider on
HIV/AIDS that will ensure provision of safe, effective and quality of care
among the patients diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
Specific Objectives:

To provide a framework for the education committee of the HIV/AIDS

team of the institution

To increase the awareness of the health care provider

To update with the latest trends and practice in the care of HIV/AIDS
patients.

Participants
All hospital staff involved in the care of HIV/AIDS patients.

CONTENT OF THE EDUCATION PROGRAM

Admission

Disease

Care

Institutional

Process

Management

Policy

Admission criteria

Causative

Holistic care of

Guidelines and

for HIV/AIDS

agent of

HIV/AIDS patient

procedures

patient

HIV/AIDS
Precautions and

Role of institution in

Screening and

Mode of

infection control

the case of

procedures for

transmission

practices

HIV/AIDS patients

Health education

Referral system of

and HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS patients

Counselling and

Republic Act 8504

HIV/AIDS
Health care

Signs and

specialty

symptoms

institution for
HIV/AIDS
Complications

HIV/AIDS
44

of HIV/AIDS
Post mortem care
Treatment of

of HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS
Ethical issues of
HIV/AIDS

STAFF EDUCATION PLAN ON HIV/AIDS

Guidelines:
1. Education Program will be conducted annually in celebration of Worlds
Aids Day every December
2. New employee will be included in the education program
3. Inclusion of the non-medical staff should be considered in this plan.
4. The institutional support should warrant the realization of this program.
Budget:

Budget will be based on the number of participants and materials

needed during the staff education program

Budget proposed should be submitted prior to the conduct of the

program.

Materials Needed
1. Venue
2. Handouts
3. Technical needs
45

Person Responsible
1. HAC (HIV AIDS Committee)
2. Lecturer of each topic
3. Coordination with the Infection Control Committee

SAMPLE PROGRAM
DAY 1
TIME
7:30
8:00
8:15
8:30
9:00

8:00
8:15
8:30
9:00
12:00

12:00 1:00
1:00 5:00

DAY 2
7:30 8:00
8:00 12:00

TOPIC
Registration
Invocation
National Anthem
Opening Remarks
1. Admisison
a. Admission
criteria
for
HIV/AIDS patient
b. Screening and procedures
for HIV/AIDS
c. Health
care
specialty
institution for HIV/AIDS
Cofee Break
2. Disease Process
a. Causative
agent
of
HIV/AIDS
b. Mode of transmission
c. Signs and symptoms
d. Complications of HIV/AIDS

LECTURER
MROD
Dr. E.Caparro
MJH Choir
Dr. E. Duran
Dr. G.Pingol

Registration
3. Care Management
a. Holistic care of HIV/AIDS

MROD
Dr. C. Pasco

46

Dr.
Evangelista

T.

12:00 1:00
1:00 4:00

4:00 4:30

patients
b. Precautions and infection
control practices
c. Heatlh
education
and
HIV/AIDS
d. Counselling and HIV/AIDS
e. Post
mortem
care
of
HIV/AIDS
f. Ethical issues of HIV/AIDS
Lunch Break
4. Institutional Policies
Mr. Lester Naval
a. Guidelines and procedures
b. Role of the institution in
the
case
of
HIV/AIDS
patients
c. Referral
system
of
HIV/AIDS patients
Closing Remarks
Dr. D. Menorca

CHAPTER V
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
SUMMARY
The study aimed to assess the level of awareness of the hospital staff
on HIV/AIDS. It sought to answer the following problems. (1) What is the
demographic profile of the respondents when grouped according to age,
nature of work, length of experience? (2) What is the level of awareness of
the respondents on HIV/AIDS based on admission, disease process, care
management and institutional Policy? (3) Is there a significant relationship
between the demographic profile and the level of awareness of the
respondents on HIV/AIDS? (4) Based on the findings, what staff education
program can be proposed?
A descriptive quantitative correlational research design was utilized in
this study. In this type of research, the subjects are usually measured once
and it establishes only associations between variables. These include medical
consultants and residents, Nurses, Nurse Assistants, Medical Technologist,

47

Respiratory Therapist, Cardio technicians, physical therapists, pharmacist,

dieticians and other personnel involved in the provision of care. The
respondents were chosen using a non probability purposive sampling
technique. A validated and pre tested questionnaire was utilized to gather
data about the variables of the study. The tool focused on assessing the level
of awareness of the respondents on HIV/AIDS as to admission, disease
process, care management and institutional policy. The researcher personally
gathered the data and encoded in the data matrix. Descriptive statistics like
percentage and mean score and inferential statistics such as Pearson R were
utilized to compute for data. Statistical Packages for Social Sciences was
utilized to facilitate accuracy and deftness in computing for the results.
The

average

mean

obtained

for

admission

is

2.60

with

an

interpretation of extensive awareness. The item that obtained the highest

mean of 2.72 with an interpretation of extensive awareness was attending
physician shall advise patients with signs and symptoms and is suspected
with HIV/AIDS for screening. While the item that obtained the lowest mean of
2.22 with an interpretation of Moderate awareness is patient with CSD4 T cell
count less than 350 and has developed complications shall be admitted in a
health care institution.
The average mean obtained for disease process is 2.47 with an
interpretation of extensive awareness. The item that obtained the highest
mean of 2.64 with an interpretation of extensive awareness was the mode of
transmission of HIV/AIDS. While the item that obtained the lowest mean of
2.11 with an interpretation of Moderate awareness was AIDS is defined in any
diagnosed individual with CD4 T cell count of less than 350 u/L based on DOH
guidelines.

The average mean obtained for care management is 2.50 with an

interpretation of extensive awareness. The item that obtained the highest
mean of 2.62 with an interpretation of extensive awareness was prevention of
infection/complication is one of the primary concerns of treatment in
HIV/AIDS patients. While the item that obtained the lowest mean of 2.29 with
an interpretation of Moderate awareness was all patients died of AIDS related
complications shall be securely covered with specialized identification tag.
The average mean obtained for institutional policy is 2.49 with an
interpretation of extensive awareness. The item that obtained the highest
mean of 2.67 with an interpretation of extensive awareness was needle stick
injury and body fluid exposure incidents from patients with HIV/AIDS shall be
48

reported immediately to the infection control staff. While the item that
obtained the lowest mean of 2.25 with an interpretation of Moderate
awareness was Mary Johnston Hospital is capable of taking care of patients
with HIV/AIDS.
The grand mean obtained for the level of awareness of the
respondents on HIV/AIDS is 2.51 with an interpretation of extensive
awareness.

Admission gathered the highest mean of 2.60 with an

interpretation of extensive awareness while disease process gained the

lowest mean of 2.47 with an interpretation of extensive awareness.
There is no significant relationship found between the demographic
profile and the level of awareness of the respondents. Therefore the null
hypothesis is accepted.

CONCLUSIONS
The grand mean garnered on the level of awareness of the hospital
staff on HIV/AIDS is 2.51 which is interpreted as extensive awareness and
may imply provision of safe, effective and quality of care.
There are no significant relationships between the demographic profile
and level of awareness of the respondents which indicates acceptance of the
null hypothesis.

RECOMMENDATION
Based on the findings of the study and conclusions, the researcher
recommends the following
1. Adaptation of the proposed Staff Education Program for the institution
that will not only support the learning and growth perspective but also
ensuing quality, safe and effective care is rendered.
2. Inclusion of the non-medical staff in the education program.
3. Education program for Delphi Method to be a reference for further
studies.
4. Revising and reviewing of the Staff Education Program by the people
involved in implementation every year.

REFERENCES
Bolstard, C. A (2001) Situiation Analysis: Does it Change with Age?
Chu, C., et. Al., (2011). Complications of HIV/AIDS Infection: A system based
Approach. New York Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University
Fournier, PO,et., al. (2010). A Shift in Referring Patients for HIV/AIDS.
University of Massachussettes Medical School.
49

Jung, A. et.,al. (2010). Diagnosing HIV Related Diseases using CD4 Count as a
Guide
Khaido, J,A. Et., al. (2012). HIV/AIDS and Admission to Intensive Care Units: A
comparison of India, Brazil and South Africa. Southern African Journal of HIV
Medicine, vol 14, 110-203
Notsouldi, A. (2012). Clinical Guidelines for the Management of HIV/AIDS in
Aduly and Adolescent. Natinal Department of Health, South Africa
Obermeyer, SM and Osborn, M. (2007). The Utilization of Testing and
Counselling for HIV: A Review of Social and Behavioral Evidence. American
Journal of Public Health, 97(10), 1762-1774.
Sharma, R. et, al. (2010). A Study on the Prevalence and Response to NSI
among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Hospital in New Delhi India. Indian
Journal of Community Medicine,74-77
Tamilshima, N,et.,al. (2011). Risk of Infection Among Primary Health Workers
in the Western Development Region, Nepal: Knowledge and Compliance,
College of Health and Medical Science, AAI-DU India.
On line
www.google.com
www.yahoo.com
www.pubmed.com
Others
Republic Act 8504: Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998."
Philippine National AIDS Council: HIV/AIDS 101 Handout

G E R A L D O S O L O M O N P I N G O L , P T R P, M D
165-A
C.Dela
Paz
Pasig City, 1606

Street,

Caniogan,

jeremiah8330@yahoo.com
(+63922) 874-6465 / (02) 267-0029
50

CAREER OBJECTIVE:
To further develop the skills and knowledge that I have gained during my
educations, in the hope of being able to practice my chosen profession to the
best of my ability, in order to be a productive and beneficent person to the
environment, society, organization or institution I may involve myself in.
EDUCATION:
RESIDENCY:
Department of Medicine
Mary Johnston Hospital
1221 J. Nolasco St., Tondo, Manila
November 2010 November 2013
POST GRADUATE
Post-Graduate Internship
Ospital Ng Maynila Medical Center
Roxas Blvd. cor Quirino Ave., Manila
May 2006 May 2007

Doctor of Medicine
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
Intramuros, Manila
Graduated April 2006
TERTIARY
Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy
Far Eastern University Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical
Foundation
Nicanor Reyes St., Morayta, Manila
Graduated April 1999
SECONDARY
Arellano Univesity Andres Bonifacio High School
Pag-asa St., Caniogan, Pasig City
Graduated April 1994

PRIMARY
Caniogan Elementary School
Kalinangan St., Caniogan, Pasig City
Graduated April 1990

EXAMINATION:
51

Physician Licensure Examination, (August 2007), Manila.

Physical Therapy Licensure Examination (August 1999) Manila.

WORK EXPERIENCE:
November 2008 to June 2009

Martinez Memorial College

Colelge of Nursing
Maypajo, Caloocan City
Associate Professor: Microbiology and
Parasitology

September 2001 to May 2002

Couples For Christ

Medical Mission Foundation, Inc.
349

Ortigas

Ave.,

Greenhills

East,

Mandaluyong City
Position Held: Administrative Clerk

May 2000 to August 2001

Steadfast Review Center for PT-OT students

3rd Floor, Orient Pearl Bldg., Recto, Manila
Position Held: Part Time Lecturer

September 1999 to March 2001 Chosen Children Village Foundation

Physiotherapy Department
Km. 48, Lalaan 2nd, Silang, Cavite
Position Held: Clinical Supervisor
PERSONAL PROFILE:
Born on 10th of June, 1977 at Manila, Single, 59 in Height, 180lbs. in Weight,
Tagalog, Pampangueo, parents are Florencia Nobida Solomon and Genaro
Sabado Pingol, Sr., youngest in the brood of Six, people person, hard working,
team player, goal oriented and computer literate.

Dr.
Geraldo
S.Pingol

APPENDIX A
RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE
Name(optional):______________________________
Date:_____________________
Dear Respondent,
52

The researcher is conducting a study entitled Assessment of the

Awareness of Hospital Staff on HIV/AIDS: Basis for Staff Education Program
as a requirement for his residency raining.
In line with this, the researcher is requesting you to be a respondent
for the said study by answering this questionnaire.
Your confidentiality will be strictly observed and your response is an
utmost help in this study.
I am looking forward for your cooperation
Geraldo S. Pingol, MD
Medical Resident, MJH
Researcher
Directions: kindly check the box that corresponds to your answer.
I.

DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

Age:

[ 20-30
[
Nature of Work:
[
Assistant

31-40

41-50

Consultant

51-60
Resident

Nurse

Respi Therapist
Pharmacist

Nurse
Med Tech

Rad Tech
Dietician

Physical Therapist

Others

please specify_____________
Length of Experience:

1-5years

5-10 years

more

than 10 YEARS
II. AWARENESS ON HIV/AIDS
Use this legend to answer the following questions
3- Extensive Awareness- full knowledge on the concept presented
about HIV/AIDS
2- Moderate Awareness- average knowledge on the concept presented
about HIV/AIDS
1- Partial Awareness- minimal knowledge on the concept presented
about HIV/AIDS

53

INDICATORS
A. ADMISSION

Patient with CD4 T cell count less than 350 and has
developed complications shall be admitted in a health care
institution
Attending physician shall advise patients with signs and
symptoms and is suspected with HIV or AIDS for screening
Patient diagnosed (with laboratory result) with HIV or AIDS
shall be referred to specialized healthcare institution
Patient diagnosed with HIV or AIDS shall receive appropriate
precautionary

measures

based

on

the

condition

and

presenting signs and symptoms

Patient diagnosed with HIV and AIDS shall receive non
discriminatory care and confidentiality during course of
treatment
B. DISEASE PROCESS
AIDS is defined in any diagnosed individual with CD4 T cell
count of <350 u/l based on DOH Guidelines.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus is the causative agent of
AIDS
Transmitted

primarily

by

unprotected/penetrative

sexual

intercourse, infected blood and other blood products and

infected mother to child transmission.
Patients diagnosed with HIV or AIDS are high risk to be
immunocompromised
There is no cure for HIV and AIDS but Anti retroviral therapy
suppresses multiplication of virus and prolongs life of a
person with HIV or AIDS.
C. CARE MANAGEMENT
Prevention of infection/complication is one of the primary
concerns of treatment in HIV and AIDS patient
All healthcare workers shall observe reverse isolation and
Standard Precaution all the time in taking care of patient
diagnosed with HIV or AIDS
Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves,
gown and protective eyewear shall be the first line of defense
against direct blood exposure from infected patient
Meticulous terminal cleaning shall be done to

room

evacuated by HIV/AIDS patient

Health education shall be provided to relative/s or significant
others who are taking care of patient with HIV/AIDS.
Psychological and spiritual
counselling are essential to
patient with HIV/AIDS patients
All patient died AIDS related complications shall be securely
54

covered with specialized identification tag.

D. INSTITUTIONAL POLICY
Mary Johnston Hospital is capable in taking care of patients
with HIV or AIDS.
Patients diagnosed with HIV or AIDS shall receive nondiscriminatory Medical-Surgical and nursing management.
All healthcare workers shall observe the right of
confidentiality of patient with HIV or AIDS
Needle stick injury and body fluid exposure incidents from
patients with HIV or AIDS shall be reported immediately to
Infection Control Staff
Post exposure prophylaxis and management shall be done.
______________________________________
Signature over printed name of the respondent

APPENDIX B
LETTER OF VALIDATION

55

September 10, 2013

Mr. Reniel A. Sanchez, RN

Infection Control Nurse
Mary Johnston Hospital

Dear Mr. Sanchez,

A quality research is a product of consensus efforts of experts consulted by a

researcher during the research conduct.
I am a medical resident of Mary Johnston Hospital (MJH) and already writing a
research paper entitled Assessment of the Awareness of Hospital Staff on
HIV/AIDS: Basis for Staff Education Program
In line with this, it would be an honor for me to seek for your expertise in
validating the self formulated instrument that the researcher will utilized in
his data gathering.
Attached is a copy of the instrument and the statement of problem of the
said study.
Hope for your positive response.

Respectfully yours;

___________________________
Geraldo S. Pingol, MD
Medical Resident, MJH
Researcher
September 10, 2013

Mr. Kenji Hennessy C. Abe, RN, MSN Ph. D. Ongoing

56

Nurse Educator
Mary Johnston Hospital

Dear Mr. Abe,

A quality research is a product of consensus efforts of experts consulted by a

researcher during the research conduct.
I am a medical resident of Mary Johnston Hospital (MJH) and already writing a
research paper entitled Assessment of the Awareness of Hospital Staff on
HIV/AIDS: Basis for Staff Education Program
In line with this, it would be an honor for me to seek for your expertise in
validating the self formulated instrument that the researcher will utilized in
his data gathering.
Attached is a copy of the instrument and the statement of problem of the
said study.
Hope for your positive response.

Respectfully yours;

___________________________
Geraldo S. Pingol, MD
Medical Resident, MJH
Researcher

September 10 2013

Mr. Jerico Paterno

57

Administrative Aide VI
Philippine National AIDS Council Secretariat
Department of Health- Manila

Dear Mr. Paterno,

A quality research is a product of consensus efforts of experts consulted by a

researcher during the research conduct.
I am a medical resident of Mary Johnston Hospital (MJH) and already writing a
research paper entitled Assessment of the Awareness of Hospital Staff on
HIV/AIDS: Basis for Staff Education Program
In line with this, it would be an honor for me to seek for your expertise in
validating the self formulated instrument that the researcher will utilized in
his data gathering.
Attached is a copy of the instrument and the statement of problem of the
said study.
Hope for your positive response.

Respectfully yours;

___________________________
Geraldo S. Pingol, MD
Medical Resident, MJH
Researcher

APPENDIX C
INFORMED CONSENT FOR THE PARTICIPANTS
58

Date_________________

I,

Mr./Ms./Mrs.______________________________

am

allowing

the

researcher to be one of his respondents in his study entitled

Assessment of the Level of Awareness of Hospital Staff on HIV/AIDS:
Basis on Staff Education Program
The risk, benefits and procedures that I may encounter along the
process of this study is well explained by the researcher.
____________________________
Signature
of the participant

APPENDIX D
MEAN COMPUTATION
59

Descriptive Statistics
N Min Ma Mean
x
Patient with CD4 T cell count less than 350 and has
developed complications shall be admitted in a health
care institution
Attending physician shall advise patients with signs and
symptoms and is suspected with HIV or AIDS for
screening
Patient diagnosed (with laboratory result) with HIV or
AIDS shall be referred to specialized healthcare
institution
Patient diagnosed with HIV or AIDS shall receive
appropriate precautionary measures based on the
condition and presenting signs and symptoms
Patient diagnosed with HIV and AIDS shall receive non
discriminatory care and confidentiality during course of
treatment
AIDS is defined in any diagnosed individual with CD4 T
cell count of <350 u/l based on DOH Guidelines.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus is the causative agent of
AIDS
Transmitted primarily by unprotected/penetrative sexual
intercourse, infected blood and other blood products and
infected mother to child transmission.
All patients diagnosed with HIV or AIDS are
immunocompromised
There is no cure for HIV and AIDS but Anti retroviral
therapy suppresses multiplication of virus and prolongs
life of a person with HIV or AIDS.
Prevention of infection/complication is one of the primary
concerns of treatment in HIV and AIDS patient
All healthcare workers shall observe reverse isolation and
Standard Precaution all the time in taking care of patient
diagnosed with HIV or AIDS
Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment such as
gloves, gown and protective eyewear shall be the first
line of defense against direct blood exposure from
infected patient
Meticulous terminal cleaning shall be done to room
evacuated by HIV/AIDS patient
Health education shall be provided to relative/s or
significant others who are taking care of patient with
HIV/AIDS.
Psychological and spiritual counselling are essential to
patient with HIV/AIDS patients
All patient died AIDS related complications shall be
securely covered with specialized identification tag.
Mary Johnston Hospital is capable in taking care of
patients with HIV or AIDS.
Patients diagnosed with HIV or AIDS shall receive nondiscriminatory
Medical-Surgical
and
nursing
management.
All healthcare workers shall observe the right of
confidentiality of patient with HIV or AIDS
Needle stick injury and body fluid exposure incidents
from patients with HIV or AIDS shall be reported
immediately to Infection Control Staff
Post exposure prophylaxis and management shall be
done.
60

7 1.0 3.0 2.222

2 0
0
2
7 1.0 3.0 2.722
2 0
0
2
7 1.0 3.0 2.666
2 0
0
7
7 1.0 3.0 2.694
2 0
0
4
7 2.0 3.0 2.708
2 0
0
3
7
2
7
2

1.0
0
1.0
0

3.0
0
3.0
0

2.111
1
2.500
0

7 1.0 3.0 2.638

2 0
0
9
7 1.0 3.0 2.555
2 0
0
6
7 1.0 3.0 2.555
2 0
0
6
7 1.0 3.0 2.625
2 0
0
0
7 1.0 3.0 2.486
2 0
0
1
7 1.0 3.0 2.555
2 0
0
6
7 1.0 3.0 2.472
2 0
0
2
7 1.0 3.0 2.527
2 0
0
8
7
2
7
2
7
2

1.0
0
1.0
0
1.0
0

3.0
0
3.0
0
3.0
0

2.527
8
2.291
7
2.250
0

7 1.0 3.0 2.527

2 0
0
8
7 1.0 3.0 2.611
2 0
0
1
7 1.0 3.0 2.666
2 0
0
7
7 1.0 3.0 2.402
2 0
0
8

7
2

Valid N (listwise)

APPENDIX E.

CRONBACH ALPHA COEEFICIENT

Reliability Statistics
Cronbach's Cronbach's N
Alpha
Alpha Based Items
on
Standardize
d Items
.961
.963
22

61

of