Pre- and post-HIV test knowledge, attitude, behavior, and practice of people living with HIV and AIDS by...

In spite of intensive information, education, and communication (IEC) activities, the incidence of new HIV cases is also increasing. Its incidence for the past 3 years was 375, 385, and 457 at our tertiary care center.

The impact of IEC activities on the society was assessed in this study.

This was a retrospective, epidemiological study conducted by a questionnaire pattern.

The questionnaire pattern was issued to 100 newly diagnosed PLWHA, which evaluated the knowledge, attitude, behavior, and practice pre- and posttesting. Every month, follow-up was done for 3 months for further assessment.

One-way ANOVA test was used for the statistical analysis.

Out of the 100 patients, 37 were male, 60 were female, and 3 were transgender. Academic education had a significant association, while occupation had no association with the awareness. Nearly 80% of the new cases were identified by the government institutions. Around 33% of the study group were first identified on sexually transmitted infection screening and 20% by skin problems. Nearly 79% of the married couples revealed their status to their spouse. Out of 79% of single individuals willing to get married, 50% were willing to reveal their status to their future partner. Almost 94% of the participants were willing to undergo antiretroviral treatment. Acceptance by family and society was reflected by 87% and 68%, respectively.

Although this study reveals the success of IEC activities, the subtle population who are still undergoing high-risk behavior after knowing their status should be targeted for achieving zero new case identification. This study gives hope to reach that day in the near future.