A Study on Knowledge, Attitude, Behaviour and Practice (KABP) towards HIV/AIDS in Manipur, India

Background: Since its first detection in Manipur in the early 1990's among a group of injecting drug users, HIV/AIDS has spread rapidly into the general population. Manipur is now one of the six high HIV/AIDS prevalence states in India. According to Manipur State AIDS control society (MSACS), HIV/AIDS is also a highly misunderstood and stigmatised disease in the state. Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess and understand knowledge, attitude, behaviour and practice towards HIV/AIDS in Manipur. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study using random sampling was carried out among the local community in Chandel district, Manipur, India. A semi-structured interview on KABP was conducted among 100 study participants who were non-HIV. Data were analysed using SPSS 12.0. Results: The study found a good level of knowledge on HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention, but there were misconceptions. There was discrepancy between knowledge and attitude, and between knowledge and behaviour/practice. Sociocultural and religious misconceptions about the disease and towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) was observed to take precedence over medical facts. In addition, local communities rely heavily on unreliable sources such as local gossip and church for HIV/AIDS information and this was found to be the main cause for misconception and stigmatisation against HIV/AIDS and PLHA. The study population was also found to be at risk for HIV infection as practice of safe sex was inconsistent and poorly maintained. Conclusion: The findings suggest that there is a strong need to address socio-cultural and religious misconceptions about HIV/AIDS in Manipur. Accurate and reliable information on HIV/AIDS is needed for the dissemination programmes. To help mitigate misconceptions and stigmatisation, socio-religious leaders who play an important role in influencing community's perception and behaviour towards HIV/AIDS need to be properly educated about the disease. The study identified a need for connecting local communities with reliable sources of information pertaining to HIV/AIDS and to mobilise the communities to adopt safe sex practices.