Main Article Content

Abstract

Introduction. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in North Kivu and Ituri in order to contribute to the fight against the spread of the disease. Patients and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study including 409 adult PLHIV, selected by probability sampling, was conducted from April to May 2022 in North Kivu and Ituri. A structured and pre-tested questionnaire was administered to the respondents. Using Epi Info 7.2, proportions were calculated for the qualitative variables and the median with interquartile range (IQR) for age. Results. The majority of respondents were women (sex ratio, 0.45:1). Median age (IQR): 33 years (20-46). The media was the main source through which PLWH had first heard about HIV. Sexual intercourse (99%), blood transfusion (72%) and the use of sharp objects (70.4%) were the most cited means of contamination while the most known means of prevention was the use of condoms (93.6%) and 94% declared using condoms during casual sex. Only 35.7% of respondents were in favor of sharing HIV status and 34% had shared it. Conclusion: Overall, PLHIV have a good knowledge of HIV but efforts are still needed with respect to their attitudes and practices regarding the disease. The acquisition of positive attitudes and adequate practices by PLWHIV will contribute to the reduction of its transmission.

Keywords

HIV/AIDS PLWHA Knowledge Attitudes and practices North Kivu and Ituri VIH/SIDA PVVIH Connaissances Attitudes et pratiques , Nord-Kivu et Ituri

Article Details

Author Biographies

Ngona Mandro C, Université de Bunia

Ecole de santé Publique de Goma

Okotitsho Wembonyama S, Université de Lubumbashi

Ecole de santé Publique de Goma

How to Cite
Ngona Mandro C, K. Fayda D, K. Mosomo T, Tsongo Kibendelwa Z, Okotitsho Wembonyama S, & Makoso Nimi B. (2023). Knowledge, attitudes and practices about HIV/AIDS among people living with HIV: a descriptive cross-sectional study in North Kivu and Ituri. HEALTH SCIENCES AND DISEASE, 24(5). https://doi.org/10.5281/hsd.v24i5.4433

References

Read More

Most read articles by the same author(s)

Similar Articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.