Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice regarding HIVAIDS among People with Disability in Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract EN

Background.

People with disabilities are vulnerable group to be infected with HIV/AIDS and are challenged to utilize HIV/AIDS services.

Hence, this study assessed knowledge, attitude, and practice about HIV/AIDS among disabled people in Hawassa city.

Methods.

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 disabled people.

All disabled people residing in Hawassa city during the study period were included.

Pretested and structured questionnaire was used for data collection.

Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the associated factors.

Results.

A high percentage (197 (79.8%)) of disabled people were knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS.

Similarly, 190 (76%) of the respondents had a favorable attitude towards HIV/AIDS.

In addition, being married (AOR = 2.20; 95% CI: 1.14, 4.27) and being employed (AOR = 2.85; 95% CI: 1.19, 6.81) were positively associated with knowledge about HIV/AIDS.

Moreover, being a male (AOR = 2.83; 95% CI: 1.61, 2.90) and being married (AOR = 2.13; 95% CI: 2.25, 3.26) were also positively associated with having a favorable attitude towards HIV/AIDS.

Conclusions.

Significant numbers of disabled people were knowledgeable and had a favorable attitude towards HIV/AIDS.