HIV AIDS INFECTION-CONTROL ENFORCEMENT - A COMPARISON BETWEEN NIGERIAAND THE UNITED-STATES/

We examined differences in approaches to HIV-related infection control practices in two university teaching hospitals in the United States a nd Nigeria. Health care workers (n=202 in Nigeria and 186 in the USA) responded to a previously validated measure of infection control pract ices. There were significant differences in the estimated probability of treating a person with HIV disease (higher in USA), and a greater p robability of peer ridicule as a way of enforcing group norms on infec tion control in Nigeria. Peer enforcement of norms was significantly l ower in the USA. In both countries, more precautions would be taken if it was known that the patient was HN infected. Infection control prac tices were more likely to be followed in the USA compared with Nigeria if they were praised for this activity, if appropriate facilities (sh arps containers, gloves, etc.) were nearby, and if they felt that infe ction control procedures were effective. These data point to the impor tance of normative social pressures in Nigeria and of knowing the pati ent is HIV infected in the USA and feeling that infection control proc edures are effective ways of avoiding occupational HIV infection. The role of normative pressures and assumptions about HIV infection status as well as cues and availability of facilities for infection control appear to differ between these health care workers in Nigeria and the USA.