Abstract:

Effective management of an infectious disease like COVID-19 requires adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and appropriate practices. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding COVID-19 among individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey of the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding COVID-19 among people living with HIV/AIDS at the ART clinic of St Luke’s Hospital Anua Uyo in Akwa Ibom State. Participants were selected using random sampling, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25, with Chi-square statistics performed to determine associations between variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. 121 respondents participated in the study, with 66.1% being female. Most respondents were aged 31-50 (60.4%), married (54.5%), had secondary education (46.3%), and were self-employed (59.5%)—about half (50.4%) resided in urban areas. COVID-19 awareness was universal (100%), though knowledge decreased significantly with age, particularly among those over 60 (p<0.05). Married and single respondents exhibited higher awareness compared to divorced, separated, or widowed participants (p<0.05), and educated respondents had significantly better knowledge than those with no formal education (p<0.05). Urban residents were more knowledgeable than rural dwellers (p<0.05). While attitudes towards COVID-19 were generally positive (81.8%), education level was significantly associated with a positive attitude (p<0.05). However, practices were poor overall (37.2%), especially among the less educated (p<0.05). This study revealed important disparities in knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to COVID-19 among people living with HIV/AIDS in Uyo. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to improve health education and compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures among vulnerable populations.

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