Knowledge, attitude and practices towards COVID-19 among people living with HIV in Pune, India: a cross-sectional study

Background: Studies on knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) are important for implementation of interventions. This cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV infected individuals attending antiretroviral therapy (ART) centre at Pune, India, to assess KAP towards COVID-19.Methods: The between June December 2020 consisted twelve, five seven questions pertaining respectively COVID-19. Frequencies percentages correct attitude were calculated. Overall knowledge scores categorized into poor, moderate good using class width equation.Results: Of the total 1175 participants enrolled, 649 (55.2%) females. Mean age CD4count entry 44 years (SD: 9.1) 637 cells/mm3 297) respectively. Overall, 400 (34.0%, 95% CI: 31.33-36.83), 612 (52.1%, 49.18-54.98) 163 (13.9%, 11.95-15.98) had good, poor regarding Illiterate six times higher probability having as compared their counterparts (OR 5.70, 3.94-8.23; p<0.001). Majority people living with (PLHIV) adherence government prevention control measures. Healthy preventive social distancing (99.5%), wearing masks public places (99.7%) frequent washing hands soap water (98.7%) followed by PLHIV.Conclusions: PLHIV have average measures, appropriate Counselling sessions ART centres should include information improving related COVID-19 especially targeting illiterate individuals.