Community perception, acceptance, stigma, and knowledge of HIV prevention and treatment in urban Ethiopia; a qualitative approach

BACKGROUND Around one million people with HIV live in Ethiopia. We evaluated the community perception and knowledge of HIV and AIDS, and the prevention and treatment and the misconceptions about HIV and AIDS in Addis Ababa. METHOD We conducted 14 focus groups with convenient sample of HIV+ and HIV- subjects (n=52), consisting of open-ended questions. We transcribed, coded and analyzed data for major themes. RESULTS Eighty-three percent were women. The majority of both HIV+ and HIV- subjects believe that holy water can cure HIV. Less than half of HIV- subjects believe that medications can treat HIV versus overwhelming majority of HIV+ subjects. Moreover, majority of HIV+ subjects believe that medication and holy water can be taken together versus less than half of HIV- subjects. The majority of HIV+ subjects elaborated that taking HIV medication is not accepted in the community (comparing to minority of HIV- subjects), overwhelmingly they felt pressured to stop HIV medications in favor of holy water, and majority felt afraid to take the medication in public. CONCLUSION The misconceptions, lack of knowledge, and stigma about acceptance and treatment of HIV, which exists in Addis Ababa could serve as significant barriers to proper prevention and management of HIV. Ongoing education of the community and strategies to raise awareness and demonstrate success of treatment strategies are crucial.