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

ObjectiveTo determine the knowledge and attitude of caregivers of HIV-infected children taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Ethiopia.MethodsA 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.ResultsSeventy 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.ConclusionThe 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 implicationsHealth education efforts should continue focusing on the objective of ART treatment and toward dispelling the prevailing misconceptions.