Abstract:

Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the combination of several ARVs to slow HIV multiplication in the body. Several strategic plans have been conducted to increase ART knowledge and eradication of negative attitude. The aim of the study is to determine public knowledge and attitude towards antiretroviral therapy among Magu district Mwanza Tanzania.

Methods: Descriptive cross sectional study of 384 adults, age 18 years old and above was conducted for a period of one month between May and July 2018 by using semi structured questionnaire.

Results: Among 384 community members, who participated in the study 63.8% were highly informed on ART, 27.8% were moderate informed and 8.3% were least informed. On attitude towards ART, 75.5% had positive attitude while 24.5% had negative attitude. Participants that had high level of education were likely to have high level of knowledge on ART (p value < 0.001). Participants with low level of education were like to had positive attitude towards ART (p value = 0.002).

Conclusion: There is still lack of ART knowledge and existence of negative attitude towards ART in the community. Participants with high level of education were likely to have high level of ART knowledge and positive attitude towards ART. This study will inform both government and non-government organizations on the impact of the targeted interventions.