Short Communication
Year: 2021 | Month: September | Volume: 11 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 79-82
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20210912
Treatment Literacy of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Government Healthcare Facilities in Malaysia
Zailatul Hani Mohamad Yadzir1, Mazliza Ramly2, Anita Suleiman3
1,2,3HIV/STI/Hep C Sector, Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Federal Government Administrative Centre, 62590 Putrajaya, Malaysia
Corresponding Author: Zailatul Hani Mohamad Yadzir
ABSTRACT
Background: Treatment literacy is a significant factor in the management of health and care of people living with HIV (PLHIV). Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the level of treatment literacy among PLHIV in selected government facilities.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken from July to August 2020 in five government hospitals and six government health clinics in Malaysia. A validated self-administered questionnaire encompassing six items about treatment literacy was used to assess the knowledge of PLHIV. This survey was conducted via web-based platform.
Results: Overall, 1173 PLHIV participated in this study. The major finding in this study was that 90.0% of PLHIV were currently on treatment and aware of their antiretroviral therapy (ART) regime. Majority of PLHIV (74.0%) also stated that they know the frequency of receiving their viral load test.
Conclusion: The study found a high level of treatment literacy among PLHIV in selected government facilities in Malaysia.
Key words: Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), people living with HIV (PLHIV), antiretroviral therapy (ART)