Knowledge and attitude regarding HIV/AIDs among sexual minorities of Kathmandu

Authors

  • Sumitra Sharma Department of Nursing, Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital, Sinamangal, Kathmandu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v5i3.18418

Keywords:

Attitude, HIV/AIDS, Knowledge, Sexual Minorities

Abstract

Background: Sexual minorities are at high risk of contracting and spreading HIV/AIDS. Several studies in Nepal and around the world depict issues of HIV/AIDS and other problems of sexual minorities.

Objective: The present study was carried out with the aim to investigate and evaluate knowledge and attitude of sexual minorities regarding HIV/AIDS.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of eight months starting from June 2009. Sixty six respondents accomplished quantitative interviews and face-to-face interviewer-administered demographic, knowledge and attitude of HIV/AIDS survey. Descriptive and inferential analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16. A five point Likert scale was used to assess attitude of the respondents. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to compare the association between knowledge and selected socio-demographic variables. Spearman’s correlation test was used to make out the degree of relationship between knowledge and attitude.

Results: Among 66 sexual minorities, 34.84% were gay, 28.78% were transgender, 25.75% were bisexuals and 10.60% were lesbians. Nearly 47% of the respondents showed adequate knowledge with mean knowledge score of 29. With the mean attitude score of 39, 45.5% showed positive attitude towards HIV infection. The findings depicted an association between knowledge and participation of respondents on training/awareness program (p<0.05). Also, data exemplified proportionate relationship between level of knowledge and attitude of a person towards the disease.

Conclusion: Existing knowledge among the respondents was enhanced by the influence of training and awareness program. Also, the level of knowledge determined an attitude of a person toward HIV infected people and vice versa.

Journal of Kathmandu Medical College

Vol. 5, No. 3, Issue 17, Jul.-Sep., 2016, page: 77-81

 

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Author Biography

Sumitra Sharma, Department of Nursing, Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital, Sinamangal, Kathmandu

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Published

2017-10-16

How to Cite

Sharma, S. (2017). Knowledge and attitude regarding HIV/AIDs among sexual minorities of Kathmandu. Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, 5(3), 77–81. https://doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v5i3.18418

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 3 (2016)

Section

Original Research Articles

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