Healthcare seeking practices of People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV) in Bangladesh

AimTo explore the dynamics of healthcare seeking practices of people living with HIV and AIDS and examine the major socio-demographic factors determining their healthcare choices in Dhaka, Bangladesh.BackgroundThis study is about exploring the healthcare seeking practices of People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV) in Bangladesh.Materials and methodsThe study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. Samples were selected purposively using snowball sampling procedure for the survey. A total of 100 PLHIV were interviewed for the survey and 20 case studies were conducted for exploring the meaning, context and reasons for healthcare choices.ResultsResults of the study reveal that the socio-demographic and socio-economic status of PLHIV has a relation with healthcare seeking choices. In the study ‘perceived barriers’ emerged as determining factors in seeking health services by the PLHIV. Knowledge of the PLHIV on HIV/AIDS and STDs was found moderately high.ConclusionThe state should play an active role in providing HIV/AIDS health services for the PLHIV with the help of monitoring and assessing the integrative performances of health practitioners directed by health ministry and local administration.