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.
Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Literacy , Medication Adherence , Social Class , Unemployment , Adolescent , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , India , Logistic Models , Male , Middle Aged , Multivariate Analysis , Odds Ratio , Surveys and Questionnaires , Tertiary Care Centers , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) has transformed life threatening HIV/AIDS scenario into chronic manageable disease. METHODOLOGY: In this cross-sectional, 409 People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) aged ≥ 18 years, who were on ART, were assessed regarding the adherence to ART and factors affecting adherence using semi-structured questionnaire. The association between factors affecting adherence and the level of adherence were analyzed using multiple logistic regression model and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. RESULTS: Among 409 PLHIV, 70.4% showed adherence to ART (≥95%). Univariate analysis yielded many factor associated with adherence (P < 0.05). However, on multivariate analysis, PLHIV who do not forget to take ART and not consuming alcohol were the factors consistent with adherence to ART (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Regular patient education and counseling regarding the usage of memory aids and abstinence from alcohol could be useful for adherence and long term success of ART among PLHIV.
