Knowledge and Attitude Regarding HIV/AIDS and Universal Testing and Treatment Strategy in some Selected Communities in Fako Health Districts of Cameroon

Abstract

Background: HIV/AIDS has emerged as a serious public health threat across the world, especially in developing countries. To attain the 90-90-90 targets and bring the pandemic under control by 2030, Comprehensive knowledge and positive attitudes are cornerstones for the prevention, control, and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Objective: The objective of this study was to access the knowledge and attitude level of participants towards HIV/AIDS and Universal testing and treatment strategy Fako health districts, Cameroon. Methods: This was a community based cross sectional study with a sample size of 1501 participants who were randomly selected within 8 communities. Data were collected electronically with android phones/Tablets by researcher through face-face interviews. The questionnaires had 15 items in 2 dimensions, Knowledge and altitude regarding HIV/AIDS and Universal testing and treatment strategy. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression model. Results: The mean age of the participants was 29 years, Majority (58.8%) of the participants were males while 797 (53.1%) of the participants had secondary education level. Also, Christians constituted 96.7% of the study population. Only 599 (39.9%) had heard of University test and treatment of HIV/AIDS and among which only 67(12.6%) knew what this means. Overall, 940(62.6%) had correct knowledge on HIV/AIDS and Universal testing and treatment strategy. Those with overall positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS and Universal testing and treatment strategy constituted 1140 (76%) of the study population. Predictors of positive attitudes were: Education level, knowledge level, health districts, Income level and history of having 2 or more sexual partners in the past 12 months. Participants who had tertiary level of education were 6.9 times more likely to have positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS and Universal testing and treatment compared to those with no level of education (AOR=6.91, 95% CI: 3.89-10.21), The study also revealed a positive correlation between knowledge and attitude, Participants who had correct knowledge were 4.1 times more likely to have positive attitude (AOR:4.11, 95%CI: 2.34-8.99). Participants within Buea health districts were less likely to have a positive attitude compared to the other facilities (AOR:0.25 95%CI: 0.02-0.06).As per the level of income, the findings revealed that participants with monthly income of <5000 FCFA were 3.4 times more likely to have positive attitude compared to those with higher monthly income (AOR:3.44, 95%CI: .95% CI 2.78-6.34).Also participants who reported not to have had multiple sexual partners in the past 12 months were 4.1 times more likely to have positive attitude compared to those who reported to have heard multiple sex partners in the past 12 months (AOR: 4.1, 95% CI: 5.78-312.4). Conclusion: The findings showed that majority of the participants had correct knowledge and attitude regarding HIV/AIDS and Universal testing and treatment approach. Predictors of positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS and Universal testing and strategy include: Education level, knowledge level, health districts, Income level and history of having multiple sex partner in the past 12 months.