Knowledge and attitudes of caregivers of HIV-infected children toward antiretroviral treatment in Ethiopia

Objective: To determine the knowledge and attitude of caregivers of HIV-infected children taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Ethiopia.

Methods: A total of 390 caregivers of HIV infected children were surveyed in selected ART units in Addis Ababa. Data was collected using a pretested and structured questionnaire.

Results: Seventy two (18.5%) of the caregivers believed that HIV can be cured by taking antiretroviral (ARV) medications. Three hundred and nineteen (81.8%) participants reported that taking ARVs incorrectly would bring about resistance to the drug. Three hundred and eighty (97.4%) caregivers had favorable attitude toward administration of ARV medication to children. Almost all of the caregivers (379, 97.2%) reported to have had enough privacy in their consultation with the doctor or nurse. Having enough privacy during consultation (OR 7.18; 95% CI 1.24-41.6) and knowledge that HIV cannot be cured by ART (OR 3.89; 95% CI 1.05-14.4) were associated with favorable attitude toward ART administration.

Conclusion: The majority of the caregivers had good knowledge and favorable attitude toward administration of ARV medication to children. However some misconceptions such as beliefs that ART cures HIV/AIDS exist.

Practical implications: Health education efforts should continue focusing on the objective of ART treatment and toward dispelling the prevailing misconceptions.