3rd International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment Rio de Janeiro - July 24 - 27, 2005

RISK FACTORS FOR LOW HIV TREATMENT LITERACY AMONG CLIENTS PRESENTING FOR VOLUNTARY COUNSELING AND TESTING IN MOSHI, TANZANIA

IAS Conf HIV Pathog Treat 2005 Jul 24-27;3rd: Abstract No. MoPe11.10C21

Landman K.¹, Thielman N.², Mgonja A.³, Shao H.⁴, Itemba D.³, Ndosi E.⁴, Chu H.², Shao J.⁴, Bartlett J.², Crump J.^5
1 Duke University Medical Center, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania, ² Duke University Medical Center, Durham, United States of America, ³ Kikundi cha Wanawake Kilimanjaro Kupambana na UKIMWI (KIWAKKUKI; Women Against AIDS in Kilimanjaro), Moshi, Tanzania, United Republic Of, ⁴ Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania, United Republic Of, ⁵ Duke University Medical Center; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Tumani University, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania

INTRODUCTION: Availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa. Although high community levels of HIV treatment knowledge would increase access to ART, few studies have evaluated HIV treatment literacy in target populations. We assessed HIV treatment literacy in the context of a prospective cohort study of factors associated with HIV serostatus among clients presenting for HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) at a community-based AIDS service organization in Moshi, Tanzania.

METHODS: Clients presenting for VCT at the KIWAKKUKI AIDS Information Centre were administered a questionnaire between November 2003 and July 2004 and were asked if they knew of the availability of medications to increase the body's resistance to HIV/AIDS. Factors associated with responses were identified by bivariable analyses and a multivariate logistic regression model.

RESULTS: Among 1,495 clients presenting for VCT, 809 (54%) were female and 256 (17%) were HIV seropositive. The median age was 29 years (range 13-83). Of 1,486 clients responding, only 161 (11%) knew of medications to increase the body's resistance to HIV/AIDS and none could name such a drug. Factors associated with knowledge of ART included tertiary education (odds ratio [OR] 3.55, p<0.001) and a history of TB treatment (OR 3.58, p=0.001). Presenting for VCT on the basis of having had many sexual partners (OR 4.99, p<0.001), suspicion of a partner's unfaithfulness (OR 2.03, p<0.001), and future planning (OR 1.96, p=0.001) were also associated with treatment literacy. Having exchanged gifts or money for sex was associated with low treatment literacy (OR 0.34, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: HIV treatment literacy is low among attendees to this VCT clinic in Moshi but could be improved by including ART education in discussions with clients before and after VCT. Special emphasis should be placed on persons without tertiary education and commercial sex workers, who are at greatest risk for low treatment literacy.

Download PDF of this abstract.

050724
Clinical | MoPe11.10C21 | Keren Landman
Public health issues in developing countries

Copyright © 2005 - International AIDS Society (IAS). All information and content relating to the abstracts from the 3rd International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment, such as text, graphics, logos, button icons, images, audio clips, and software is protected by copyright. Permission is hereby granted for the non-commercial use or reproduction of the information on this web site, provided that the use of such information is accompanied by an acknowledgement that IAS is the source of the information and the name of the author of the article.

AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2005. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. Permission is hereby granted for the non-commercial use or reproduction of the information herein, provided that the use of such information is accompanied by an acknowledgement that IAS is the source of the information and the name of the author of the article.