Training needs and evaluation of a neuro-HIV training module for non-physician healthcare workers in Western Kenya

Background: Recent efforts to improve neurological care in resource-limited settings have focused on providing training to non-physician healthcare workers. Methods: A one-day neuro-HIV training module emphasizing HIV-associated dementia (HAD) and peripheral neuropathy was provided to 71 health care workers in western Kenya. Pre- and post-tests were administered to 55 participants. Results: Mean age of participants was 29 years, 53% were clinical officers and 40% were nurses. Self-reported comfort was significantly higher for treating medical versus neurologic conditions (p<0.001). After training. participants identified more neuropathy etiologies (pre = 5.6/9 possible correct etiologies; post = 8.0/9; p<0.001). Only 4% of participants at baseline and 6% (p = 0.31) post-training could correctly identify HAD diagnostic criteria, though there were fewer mis-identified criteria such as abnormal level of consciousness (pre = 82%; post = 43%; p<0.001) and hallucinations (pre = 57%; post = 15%; p<0.001). Conclusions: Healthcare workers were more comfortable treating medical than neurological conditions. This training significantly improved knowledge about etiologies of neuropathy and decreased some misconceptions about HAD. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.