HIV-Related Knowledge among PLWHA Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital at Coastal South India—A Facility-Based Study. (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Banagi Yathiraj, Arjun; Unnikrishnan, Bhaskaran; Ramapuram, John T.; Thapar, Rekha; Mithra, Prasanna; Madi, Deepak; Kumar, Nithin; Kulkarni, Vaman; Holla, Ramesh; Ambalavanan, Jayachidambaram; Darshan, BB
• Is Part Of: Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care. Volume 16:Number 6(2017:Nov./Dec.)
• Page Start: 615
• Page End: 619
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: HIV/AIDS -- PLHIV -- HIV-related knowledge -- HIV-KQ-18 -- South India; AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; 616.9792
• DOI: 10.1177/2325957417742671
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2325-9574

Abstract

Background: Adequate knowledge about HIV/AIDS among people living with HIV (PLHIV) is essential for the prevention of HIV transmission. Methods: A cross-sectional study consisting of 409 PLHIV aged ≥18 years were interviewed regarding their HIV-related knowledge, from April 2014 to April 2015. HIV-related knowledge was assessed using the HIV knowledge questionnaire 18 . Univariate and multivariate analyses were done to determine the factors associated with high HIV-related knowledge. Odds ratios with its corresponding 95% confidence intervals were reported. A value of P < .05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Among 409 PLHIV, 46.2% had high HIV-related knowledge. Univariate analysis yields factors like upper socioeconomic status, those who are literates, unemployed, and adherent to antiretroviral therapy (ART) were associated with higher HIV-related knowledge. On multivariate analysis, upper socioeconomic status and adherence to ART were the factors that remained significantly associated with higher HIV-related knowledge. Conclusion: HIV-related knowledge among PLHIV can be improved through HIV educational programs.