Knowledge and Preventive Behavior in People Living with HIV in Care Center (Dawn Club) at Thayang Hospital, Phetchaburi

Abstract

Objective: To determine knowledge about AIDS, risk behaviors to spread the infection, quality of life and satisfaction in the services of infected persons who were members of the care center (Dawn Club).

Method: This quantitative research by using questionnaires, studied on the patients who had received anti-HIV drugs. Purposive sampling was done by studying all patients who came to get services in December 2010. Data analysis and interpretation were done by using descriptive statistics.

Results: Finding members with knowledge about AIDS by UNGASS was to complete 5 items in 50.5% and it provided those risk behavior of smoking 20.6%, drinking alcohol 18.3%, discrete receiving of anti-HIV drug 5.0%, forget to take drugs 23.9%, regular condom use during sexual activity 21.1%, no condom use 12.2%, disclosure of infection with HIV to partners 38.2% and unknown status of infection of partners 48.8%. About quality of life by including moderate level was found in 66.5% and 32.1 % in a good level of classification. Quality of life was most in item of mental health followed by environmental and physical health respectively. Overall satisfaction with the services of a high level at 52.8% by type of service they were satisfied with the quality and confidence of drugs (mean score 4.13/5) followed by with the instructions to describe the process of disease treatment (mean score 4.11/5).

Conclusion: HIV care; addition to focusing on patients who received medication on a regular basis, then need to focus on awareness of ongoing risk behaviors and quitting seriously.