Human Immunodeficiency Virus Incidence and Antiretroviral Therapy Use at Kuy, Northeast, Ethiopia
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Date
2018-08-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The impact of HIV/AIDS is multi-dimensional and complex. Although it is stable, HIV/AIDS remains the major developmental challenge for our country Ethiopia. The prevalence of HIV in communities is mainly determined by level of awareness and behavioral changes. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of HIV/AIDS and ART use related knowledge, attitude and practice of HIV/AIDS patients at Kuy health center in Debay Tilat Gin Woreda. A comparative cross sectional study was conducted from September, 2017 to June, 2018 on HIV/AIDS patients. A total of 650 retrospective data and also 384 respondents were selected through systematic random sampling. Data analysis was made by SPSS version 20. In this study majority (96.9%) of respondents had good awareness about HIV/AIDS. About 93.2% of participants were prioritized unsafe sex as a main route of HIV/AIDS transmission. More than 93.2% of respondents responded that the incidence of HIV/AIDS is increasing. Most of respondents (77.6%) answered that all individuals are responsible to reduce HIV/AIDS prevalence. Around 91.4% of the respondents said that HIV/AIDS is not transmitted by insect bites like flea and mosquito. Majority (87.5%) of the respondents could not identify the person by simple observation whether one is HIV positive or not. While 12.5% were wrongly responded that could be identify the person by looking one is HIV positive or not. About 86.4% of the respondents stated that Ethiopia is grouped under MARPs or hot spot country for HIV/AIDS prevalence is due to economical underdevelopment; whereas 13.6% of respondents were mentioned climate (1.6%) and literacy (12%) as contributing factors. About 75.5% respondents responded that TB is the main opportunistic disease of HIV/AIDS. Of the respondents (86.2%) were well aware of ART and its use and 14.8% of respondents did not have good awareness about ART and its use. Among the total participants, 69% were HIV/AIDS patients and ART users. About 86.4% of HIV/AIDS patients use ART regularly; but 13.6% use ART rarely and occasionally. In conclusion, though there is generally good level of awareness about HIV and ART in the area, much more needs to be done to enhance the awareness of the population further.
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Keywords
Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome, Anti Retro Viral Therapy, Awareness, Human Immuno Deficiency