Knowledge, attitude, and practices of students regarding access to antiretroviral therapy in a university of technology in KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

Background: The growing need for antiretroviral drugs across the country is a critical issue for universities and their wider communities. Yet, little is known about student knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding access to antiretroviral therapy in university environments and the steps that universities take to better support students’ well-being. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of students regarding access to antiretroviral therapy at the University of Technology (UoT) in KwaZulu-Natal. Method: A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was employed guided by the theory of reasoned action by Martin Fishbein and Icek Ajzen (1975) as a framework for the study. Ethics approval (IREC 284/22) and gatekeeper permission were granted by the UoT concerned. Participants who met the inclusion criteria were purposively selected based on their availability until the data saturation was reached. Data was collected between March and May 2023 using online and face to-face semi-structured interviews, with 20 undergraduate students from one campus located in the uMsunduzi local municipality. Rigor for the study was ensured through the observant of the four principles of trustworthiness whch are of trustworthiness which are credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability. Data were thematic ally analysed guided by the six steps of qualitative data analysis as described by-Braun and Clarke 2006) Results: The study found that practices performed or missed by the UoT or campus clinic and/or a student affected student access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). The five main themes that emerged from data analysis included: Current practices regarding accessing ART, Knowledge regarding access to ART in the UoT, Access points for ART, Attitude and perception, and Factors that influence access to ART. While all participants agreed that they had been exposed to HIV/AIDs education including ART, the extent of exposure varied from student to student. The discussion around the ART access points revealed that students were aware of those points, though there were challenges encountered by other students when utilising the access points. iv Conclusion: The overall result confirmed that students from the UoT under study have positive attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS in general and access to ART. Moreover, participants recommended access to ART on all HEI campus clinics, including the campus where this study took place because the campus clinic facilities are conveniently located on campus, safe, provide greater confidentiality and privacy, and limited disruption to academic activities