Assessment of Healthcare Workers' Understanding of PLHIV's Rights Based on the Framework of HIV and AIDS Act 2017 in India.

BackgroundThe HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act 2017, implemented in 2018, is a central legislation that aims to prevent and control the spread of HIV and AIDS while protecting the legal and human rights of people living with HIV (PLHIV), as well as the rights of healthcare workers (HCWs). However, evidence on HCWs' knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) related to the Act and rights of PLHIV remains limited in Eastern India. This study aimed to assess the KAP of HCWs regarding the rights of PLHIV as mandated under the Act.MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted during a one-day sensitization workshop on the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 in March 2024. All registered participants aged 20 years or more (doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, counsellors and hospital attendants) were included (N = 170). Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire covering baseline attributes and 11 knowledge, 11 attitude and 22 practice items. Each correct response was scored as one and incorrect response was scored as 'zero'; domain scores were dichotomized at 50% into good or poor knowledge and practice and positive or negative attitude. Data were analysed in SPSS v26.0 using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and binary logistic regression.ResultsOf the 170 HCWs, 70 (41.2%) participants had ever heard of the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act 2017, and 65 (38.2%) demonstrated good knowledge. Positive attitude towards PLHIV was observed in 169 (99.4%) participants, and good practices were reported by 138 (81.2%). Participants without prior experience of working with PLHIV had significantly lower odds of good knowledge (AOR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.21-0.77) and good practices (AOR = 0.25; 95% CI: 0.10-0.64).ConclusionDespite positive attitudes, significant gaps exist in HCW's knowledge of the Act, necessitating systematic sensitization and periodic refresher training of HCWs on Act for stigma-free care to PLHIV.