| DOI: 10.29090/psa.2021.01.19.051 | Pharm Sci Asia 2021; 48(1), 61-66 |
HIV/AIDS related knowledge among antiretroviral therapy clients at Kathmandu and Dhulikhel, Nepal: A cross sectional studySweta Shrestha*, Badri KC, Yushma Shrestha, Rabina KC, Sudikshya Dhanju, Punam Khadka, Sayara Khwaunju
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Science,Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Kavre,Nepal
Clients’ knowledge of HIV/AIDS is identified as one of the key factors strongly associated with higher risk of non-adherence. However, accurate data on knowledge of HIV/AIDS among the clients visiting ART sites in Nepal are lacking. This study aims to investigate the knowledge of ART clients on HIV/AIDS. A crosssectional survey of 69 ART clients visiting five different ART clinics was done using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Patients who answered ≥9 answers correctly (≥75%) were categorized under adequate knowledge and those who answered <9 questions correctly (<75%) were categorized under inadequate knowledge. Majority of the clients (n=67, 98.5%) possessed an inadequate knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Of total, 76.8% believed that HIV/AIDS could possibly be a hereditary disease, 91.3% presumed about the existence of a vaccine for the disease, 66.7% were unaware about breastfeeding being a viable way of transmitting the virus. Erroneous understanding of the term ‘window period’ and its duration was seen in 64.4% respondents. None of the participants were aware of the term ‘viral load’ and the methods of measuring it. Only 33.3% and 17.3% rightly mentioned the action to be taken in case of missed dose and running out of prescription for ART medications, respectively. The results suggest a dire need for a comprehensive educational approach for the ART clients on HIV/AIDS and their medication regimens.
Keyword:
Knowledge; HIV/AIDS;
Antiretroviral therapy; Nepa
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