Evaluation of HIV knowledge and attitudes towards patients living with HIV AIDS among healthcare professionals in a hospital in Somalia

Aims: Although HIV/AIDS was first identified in 1981, negative prejudices toward individuals living with this disease remain widespread. These stigmas create significant barriers, causing patients to conceal their condition, which in turn disrupts efforts for effective disease control, management, and treatment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 301 participants, including physicians, nurses, midwives, health technicians, and laboratory staff working in our hospital, using an anonymous survey method. The study consisted of three sections and a total of 57 questions, focusing on participants' demographic information, knowledge about HIV, and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS patients. The survey was conducted by specialist physicians and general practitioners working in the infectious diseases clinic, as well as by Infection Control Committee nurses. During this process, both outpatient clinics and inpatient wards were visited, and the survey was completed through face-to-face interviews. The survey was carried out over a period of approximately two months. Results: The knowledge level of healthcare workers (HCWs) who participated in the survey was significantly higher than their positive biases (p