BACKGROUND

Malawi has one of the highest HIV prevalence (10%) in the world despite the impressive progress made in controlling HIV epidemic. Only 66% of all people living with HIV are treated with antiretroviral drugs. World Health Organization estimated that the prevalence of condom use by adults during higher-risk sex is around 43%, but only a low portion of the population (26%) showed a comprehensive correct knowledge of HIV/AIDS in the period 2007-2013.

OBJECTIVES

: To investigate what Malawian population knows about HIV/AIDS, what believes and how behaves in relation to HIV/AIDS prevention.

METHODS

: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) among couples enrolled in HIV programs, we designed a survey using a structured and standardized questionnaire. An ad hoc questionnaire has been designed tailoring already used KAP questionnaires to our aim, population and context, as well as devising new questions with the involvement of two expert clients.

RESULTS

: Following practical KAP guidelines that support us in the design of the survey, we pre-tested the questionnaire and implemented the survey, until now. The questionnaire includes a socio-demographic part and 45 close questions divided into three parts covering the following areas: knowledge, attitude and practice. As a pre-test, on 4^th June 2018 the expert clients administered questionnaire to 20 randomly selected pregnant women enrolled in PMTCT service of the DREAM centre (HIV/AIDS center) of Blantyre. The pre-test phase highlighted that four questions were subject to multiple interpretations and two questions seemed redundant.

CONCLUSIONS

: Based on the pre-test results we identified areas needing improvement in questionnaire. This survey will be conducted in more than one healthcare centre in a segment population and it could help healthcare managers and the policymakers to plan HIV/AIDS programs.