Knowledge, attitudes and practices of HIV clients on the management of safe water chain: A case study for Alive Medical Services

Abstract

Introduction: Diarrhoea, a result of un-safe water, is one of the most common symptoms affecting People Living with Human Immune Deficiency Virus (PLHIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). 90% of PLHIV and AIDS get diarrhoea and this results in severe morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of diarrhoea, a major cause of morbidity and mortality among PLHIV is high at Alive Medical Services (AMS). The knowledge, attitudes and practices of the PLHIV attending AMS in maintaining safe water chain is not known as well as the quality of water they use. General Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of adult HIV positive patients attending AMS on the management of Safe Water Chain (SWC) as well as determine the quality of the water they use. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a sample size of 370 PLHIV. Data was collected using self-administered surveys and key informant interviews were filled out by the principle investigator. Bacteriological quality analysis was performed in the laboratory using the membrane filtrate method with m lauryl sulphate broth as a culture medium. Data analysis for the quantitative data and laboratory sample data was performed using the Stata 11.0/IC (Stata Inc., Texas USA) software. Results: The respondent’s knowledge score showed that only 29 % had good knowledge of the management of Safe Water Chain. Although almost 100% perceived that taking safe drinking water is beneficial only 50% practiced it. The significant variables determining one’s knowledge of SWC xiii management were: age, availability of water treatment supplies, cost and the respondent’s confidence in using the water treatment supplies. From the water sources, 35% had zero coliforms per 100 mls, at the storage container only 14% had zero coliforms per 100 mls% and drinking water 20% had had coliform per 100 mls. Conclusion: People Living with Human Immune Deficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome attending AMS and living in Kampala have poor knowledge and practices of SWC management even though they have a good attitude towards it, and the water they use is very contaminated.