Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health

Factors Associated with Knowledge and Attitudes of HIV Patients towards Hiv-Based Services at Kibagabaga District Hospital

Abstract

Pax Axell Karamage, Charles Nsanzabera, Amanuel Kidane Andegiorgish and Theogene Kubahoniyesu

Background: HIV is still a significant global public health issue. World health organization (WHO) recommends that people infected with HIV should initiate HIV-based services as early as possible. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and attitude levels of HIV patients towards HIV-based services and associated factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 274 HIV patients obtaining HIV-based services at Kibagabaga hospital. Descriptive analysis, bivariate and logistic regression analysis were employed using SPSS21. The significance level of below 0.05 at 95%CI was considered.

Results: The majority of respondents were female 158 (57.7%) and 88.5% were aged 30 years old.86.1% had good knowledge on HIV-based services and 81% exhibited positive attitudes. Respondents aged 40-49 years (AOR: 11.59; 95% CI: 1.560 - 86.063), aged 50 years (AOR: 16.44; 95% CI: 2.150 - 125.653), Urban(AOR: 7.05; 95% CI: 1.999 - 24.88) and engaged for more than 5 years (AOR: 13.29; 95% CI: 1.694 - 104.182)were more likely to exhibit good knowledge towards HIV-based services.

Conclusion: The study revealed favorable knowledge and attitudes towards HIV-based services, however, improved awareness is needed for HIV services uptake and provision to HIV infected people in communities.

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