Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward dolutegravir-based regimens among patients receiving antiretroviral therapy at Bule Hora University Teaching Hospital, Ethiopia, 2024

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a major global health challenge. In 2018, an estimated 37.9 million people were living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, of whom 95% were adults. Approximately 1.7 million new infections occurred, and one million people died from AIDS-related illnesses. Dolutegravir (DTG) has emerged as a preferred antiretroviral drug due to its high efficacy, safety profile, and strong barrier to resistance. Current WHO guidelines recommend DTG-based antiretroviral therapy as the preferred first-line regimen, particularly in resource-limited settings. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of patients receiving antiretroviral therapy toward dolutegravir-based regimens at Bule Hora University Teaching Hospital, Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1 to October 31, 2024. A total of 308 patients receiving dolutegravir-based antiretroviral regimens were included. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed to determine levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Results: Among the 308 participants, 171 (55.5%) were female and 166 (53.9%) were older than 35 years. A considerable proportion, 118 (38.3%), had no formal education. More than half of the respondents 178 (57.8%) resided in urban areas. Most were married 182 (59.1%), while the majority reported never smoking 297 (96.4%) or consuming alcohol 287 (93.2%). Overall, patients demonstrated fair to poor knowledge about DTG-based regimens, with nearly one-fourth showing poor knowledge. Despite some negative attitudes, many patients reported good practices toward DTG-based therapy. Conclusion: The study revealed gaps in knowledge and attitudes toward dolutegravir-based regimens among patients on antiretroviral therapy, despite relatively good treatment practices. Strengthening patient education and counseling is essential to improve knowledge and foster positive attitudes, which may enhance treatment adherence and outcomes.