Knowledge Levels Regarding HIV Pre Exposure Prophylaxis among Clients attending Parirenyatwa outpatients Department, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Despite established Human Immune Virus prevention strategies and available diagnostic strategies, rates of new Human Immune Virus infection remain high and the leading cause of deaths in Zimbabwe. Human Immune Virus infection continues to be a major public health issue especially among the reproductive age group. Use of pre-exposure prophylaxis by the Human Immune Virus negative individual greatly reduces and eliminates new infections thus averting the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome burden of the nation. At the end of the year 2017, 36.9 million people where living with Human Immune Virus infection globally of which 0.8% were between 20 to 50-year age group. According to World Health Organization (2018), Africa accounts to nearly two-thirds of people living with Human Immune Virus infection worldwide. The purpose of this study was to determine knowledge levels regarding Human Immune Virus pre-exposure prophylaxis among clients attending Parirenyatwa Outpatients Department, Zimbabwe. Methodology: The study utilized a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional research design; a sample size 30 participants was selected from the accessible population using convenient sampling method at Parirenyatwa Outpatients Department. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0 and was presented using tables and figures expressed as frequencies and percentages. Results: A total of 86.8 % individuals had heard about pre-exposure prophylaxis. The age range of participants was 20 to 50years and females were more (17) compared to men (13). Results also showed that there is limited literature that relates the relationship between demographics and knowledge of pre-exposure prophylaxis. Conclusion: Low awareness and knowledge on Human Immune Virus pre-exposure prophylaxis was noted among clients and improving uptake among individuals at risk will require education and addressing factors that would negatively influence low up take.