Abstract:
Introduction: A 2-day training program was developed to train Homoeopathy and
Ayurveda practitioners to impart HIV/AIDS prevention messages to their clients. The
purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this training program based
on train the trainer modality.
Materials and Methods: Ten primary participants were enrolled in each one day and
two day training program. Both the groups were instructed to impart further training to
10 participants each. The knowledge of and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS were measured
in primary participants before and immediately after training and at the end of 3 months
and in secondary participants before and immediately after training by a 21‑item
questionnaire.
Results: In 1-day group, the pre‑training and post-training assessments were
completed by all the 10 participants, where as the 3 month assessment was
completed by only seven participants. In this group, mean overall knowledge
score was 15.9 which increased to 17 post training and reduced to 16.7, 3 months
post training. In 2-day group, the pre‑training and post training assessments were
completed by 10 participants, where as the 3 month assessment was completed
by nine participants. In this group, the pre‑training score of 17.4 increased to
19.8 immediately after training and decreased to 18.4, 3 months after training.
From the 1-day group and two day group, seven and nine participants respectively,
conducted secondary trainings. In case of secondary trainees, the cognitive
knowledge scores showed a statistically significant difference before and after
trainings in both the groups.Conclusion: The training module on HIV/AIDS was useful in enhancing the knowledge
of physicians of Homoeopathy and Ayurveda on cognitive and transmission related
aspects of the disease and on its ethical, social and legal implications. With such
training programs the homoeopathic and ayurvedic practitioners can play a vital
role in prevention of HIV infection by undertaking appropriate patient education and
counselling.
