Analysis Of Knowledge And Attitude Of Pre- exposure Prophylaxis By Clients: The Case Of Special Treatment Centre.

Abstract

An estimated 1.5 million people in Kenya died after developing AIDS since 1984, leaving about one million orphans (NACC, 2005). Areas with high HIV prevalence and risk population have been the target by CDC in its quest to implement “high impact prevention”. MSM are witnessing a significant increase in the rate of HIV infection while other population groups have had a decreasing or stable HIV incidence in the US. A report by WHO (2015) approved PrEP for use as an additional choice for preventing HIV for those at risk of acquiring the AIDS virus as part or combination for HIV prevention. PrEP is the use of anti-retroviral to prevent the risk of transmission of HIV/AIDS among high risk individuals. Several studies have shown that knowledge and attitude is paramount to fighting HIV/AIDS as it has an effect on health seeking behavior and protective mechanisms of individuals. Knowledge and the attitude towards HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis is key in determining the outcome of HIV infections to be experienced. Furthermore, it is key in determining the optimal resources to be allocated towards the same. The study findings indicated that knowledge and awareness on PrEP affects the utilization of PrEP positively although insignificantly. Secondly, the study established that positive attitude significantly affected the use of the PrEP positively. The indication was that negative attitude may play a retrogressive role on the utilization of PrEP. The study used primary data collected from Special treatment Centre through random sampling design. Particularly, it applied to clients who walk into the facility randomly to seek for any services. The study proposed further research extended to the other health facilities in other areas in the country