Attitudes and Practices of Patients Receiving Anti-Retroviral Care in JOS Towards HIV Prevention

Abstract

Background: HIV infected individuals, are central to the prevention and control of HIV in Nigeria. Yet not much is known if they are concerned about preventing transmission of the virus to others. The purpose of this study therefore was to determine the knowledge attitude and practices of patients seeking HIV/AIDS care in Jos towards preventing transmission to others. Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted among HIV patients registered in the HIV/AIDS clinics of the three major public Hospitals in Jos, Plateau state using a multistage sampling method. Data was collected using interviewer administered questionnaire. Results: A total of 400 HIV infected individuals comprising 70% females and 30% males were studied. Mean age of respondents was 34.2 ± 0.40 years. Three hundred and twenty-eight (82%) of the respondents knew how to prevent themselves from infecting others with the HIV virus; 93% had good attitude towards preventing the transmission of HIV but 36.5% did not. About thirty three percent have had at least one new sexual partner after their HIV diagnosis and thirty percent (30%) have had unprotected sex with HIV negative partners or partners whose HIV status they did not know. Conclusion: The behavior practices of many HIV patients favours the transmission of the virus to others. Efforts should be made to prevent this by incorporating counselling and prevention in care programs.