Knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) among healthcare professionals regarding HIV-related stigma

Background: Stigma and discrimination are among the greatest challenges that people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) affecting their health provision. This might harm the overall retention of patients and the effective care and control of the disease. Hence, our study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of HCWs in tertiary hospitals in Zagazig City, as regards HIV prevention and healthcare provision to PLHIV. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a convenience sample of 295 doctors and nurses from tropical and internal medicine departments in two tertiary care hospitals in Zagazig City, using a self-administered questionnaire designed to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of HCWs, as regards HIV prevention and healthcare provision to HIV- infected people. Results: This study revealed that the HCWs had good knowledge about the nature and mode of transmission of HIV. Still, they needed a more detailed understanding of the disease to prevent stigmatization and discrimination of health provision. Moreover, there were significant distinctions between physicians and nurses in their participation in training programs and their performance across the knowledge, attitude, and practice domains. Conclusion: This study can provide a benchmark for further studies in Egypt aiming to set up a training program to enhance HCWs’ knowledge regarding HIV and eradicate stigmatizing attitudes and behaviors.