Students’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Toward Patients with Hiv/Aids at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Globally, HIV continues to be a major global public health issue. The vast majority of people living with HIV are located in low- and middle- income countries, with an estimated 66% living in sub-Saharan Africa. Among this group 19.6 million are living in East and Southern Africa which saw 800,000 new HIV infections in 2017. There has been a gradual increase in the number of people living with HIV accessing treatment. In 2013, Uganda reached a tipping point whereby the number of new infections per year was less than the number of people beginning to receive antiretroviral treatment. This has led to increased numbers of PLWHAs who have to, other than having to seek treatment in the face of societal stigma, may also be faced with discriminatory practices by healthcare providers warranting the need for continued education of the providers towards good practice as regards PLWHAs. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice of medical students towards HIV/AIDS and PLWHAs. Method: A descriptive questionnaire-based cross-sectional study design was used that involved 53 BMS 143 series KIU medical students on clinical placement at FPRRH. Results: The knowledge was high (80%), attitudes positive (94.4%) and practice was good. Conclusion: The knowledge of KIU BMS 143 series medical students on clinical placement at FPRRH concerning HIV/AIDS and PLWHAs was high, their attitudes positive and practices good but there was need to keep up-to-date on the changing HIV treatment protocols.