Testers' compliance to the quality standards of HIV rapid testing services in Primary Health Care Facilities in Makete District, Tanzania

Background: HIV rapid testing services is one among key interventions in the controlling of HIV/AIDS. Despite availability of quality standards, the quality of HIV rapid testing services remains questionable since non-laboratory testers are allowed to conduct testing while they are not specialized in providing testing services. Objective: To evaluate the compliance to the quality standards of HIV rapid testing services provided by non-laboratory testers in Makete District, Tanzania Methods: An explanatory descriptive study employing quantitative approach of data collection was used. An observation of 23 non-laboratory testers performing HIV rapid tests, observation of HIV testing points and documents review was done in 23 testing points to collect data. Data were analyzed using a programmed excel sheet and a three-point scale was used to determine the level of compliance to quality standards. Results: Analysis shows that out of 23 testing points visited, the level of compliance to quality standards was lower for 22 (95.6%) testing points and moderate in 1 (4.4%) testing point. None of the testing point was highly complied to quality standards for HIV rapid testing services. Conclusion: The quality of HIV rapid testing services provided by non-laboratory testers is below the established quality standards for HIV rapid testing services.

Research of Transparency Measurement Scale on Medicine Use Information in Primary Health Care Facilities / 医药导报

Objective To develop transparency measurement scale on medicine use information in primary health care facilities. Methods The dimensions and items of scale were determined through literature review and expert consultation. The scale was used to investigate 100 primary health care facilities in eastern, central and western regions. Correlation coefficient analysis, Cronbach's coefficient, and exploratory factor analysis were used to select items. Five dimensions and 20 items were selected for the final scale. Cronbach's coefficient was used to evaluate the reliability of the formal scale. Factor analysis was used for construct validity evaluation. Results Dimensions were measured, including service processes, organization and regulation for pharmacy administration, patients informing and education, medicine catalogue, and the economic burden of patients. The scale had good reliability since overall Cronbach coefficient was 0. 844. Factor analysis extracted five common factors, total explaining 89. 69% of the cumulative variance, and the item distribution in five common factors was completely consistent with formal scale, indicating good construct validity. Conclusion This scale had good reliability and validity as a measurement tool to evaluate the transparency level of primary health care facilities in China.