Knowledge of, Attitude towards and Preventive Practices for HIV/AIDS among Construction Workers in Selected Construction Sites in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Abstract

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a retrovirus, is the causative agent of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS was publicly reported on 5th June 1981, in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report brought out by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), USA. After identifying the manner how HIV was spreading, it became apparent that modes to reduce transmission were imperative. Improving blood safety, providing condoms, and encouraging safe injecting practice were amongst the early preventive measures being enforced. However, it soon became clear that along with these, behavior change is mandatory to control the spread of HIV. Methods: The study was a descriptive survey. Systematic sampling was done to pick out a total of 317 samples. Depending upon their literacy, each sample was either interviewed or handed the questionnaire for self-administration. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 25.61 (SD= 7.224 95%CI 24.81, 26.40) and a majority of them were males (89.6%). Only 1.3% had studied beyond School Leaving Certificate. 84.6% of the construction workers had sufficient knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS and 61.8% had positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS. While only slightly more than half had ever used a condom, 56.5% had not used one the last time they had sex. On running Chi Square analysis “Gender”, “nationality” and “level of education” were found to have significant association with all three, knowledge, attitude and preventive practice. Those with insufficient knowledge were found to have negative attitude (p<0.05, OR=4.962, 95%CI 2.486, 8.854). Those with insufficient knowledge were more likely to have not used a condom the last time (p<0.05, OR=2.884, 95%CI 1.506 5.523). On carrying out multiple logistic regression analysis, it was found that use of condom the last time was most affected by gender and level of knowledge. While females were more likely to have used condom the last time they had sex, those with insufficient knowledge on HIV/AIDS were less likely to have used a condom the last time. Despite adequate knowledge, attitude and preventive practice was found to be unsatisfactory. Conclusions: There is an urgent need to resolve this gap between knowledge and preventive practice. Keywords: attitude; construction workers; HIV/AIDS; knowledge; practice.