Health Provider-Patient Communication and People Living with HIV/AIDS: A Cross-Section Study from Homa Bay County, Kenya

Abstract

Effective health provider- patient communication, a precursor to building a wholesome, trusting relationship, has been recognized as a vital factor in cultivating suitable self- management practices among patients with chronic infections like HIV/AIDS. This study investigated the level and determinants of doctor patients’ communication in Homa Bay County. A cross-sectional hospital-based survey was conducted among 362 HIV/AIDS patients in Homa Bay County. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha and confirmatory factor analysis tests were used to ascertain the reliability and validity of study instruments, while the Chi-square test was used to establish the relationship between demographic factors and doctor patient communication. 51% of the respondents were females, with the majority, (30.9%) of respondents being in the aged 45 years and above. Most respondents described health provider-patient communication as effective (mean score 3.60, and SD 1.164. Gender, educational level, marital status, and illness duration were significantly associated with doctor patient communication in this study at p values less than 0.05. Majority of the respondents were concerned that the clinical officer/doctor was taking too fast (61.3%) and used medical terminologies that were difficult to understand (62.7% and seldom used pictures, drawings or models to explain issues (70.4%), all of which may reduce the effectiveness of doctor-patient communication. There is need to eequip healthcare providers with effective communication skills, including ability to profile patients with inadequate health literacy and who may require special consideration, including taking more time with them and avoiding use of medical jargon during consultation. Keywords: