Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors toward HIV/AIDS among Health Care Workers' in Urban Cities in Leyte Philippines

Abstract

Background: The difficulty of curbing the incidence of HIV has long been associated with stigma, which has been linked to the lack of knowledge, poor attitudes, and discriminatory behaviours of healthcare workers. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, behaviour, and care barriers of healthcare workers from highly urbanised cities towards HIV/AIDS. Methods: A total of 171 healthcare workers in Leyte Province were included in the study. The study utilized a self-report questionnaire and was conducted in the early quarter of 2021. Spearman rank-order correlation analysis was employed to answer the study's hypotheses. Results: Results revealed that the participants have moderate knowledge of HIV/AIDS and good work attitudes but have prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory behaviours toward their HIV/AIDS-related care. Furthermore, it was found that there is a positive correlation between knowledge and attitude, as well as attitude toward behaviours. Notably, results revealed no correlation between knowledge of HIV/AIDS and perceived behaviours. Conclusion: It can be concluded that health workers in highly urbanized cities like Leyte province have essential knowledge, attitude, and behaviours in providing care to clients suspected or confirmed of HIV/AIDS. A good attitude towards HIV suggests the likelihood of a health care provider having sufficient knowledge of HIV and practicing caring behaviours.