With the increase in the number of persons suffering from HIV/AIDS, physiotherapists are often required to treat these patients who present with respiratory and neurological complications. Although physiotherapists are at a lower risk of HIV infection in the workplace than nurses and doctors, it is necessary to determine their knowledge and perceptions of the risks, fears of HIV transmission and their attitudes towards patients with the disease. The aim of the study was to determine the physiotherapists knowledge of, and their attitudes towards patients with HIV/AIDS. It also explored whether the physiotherapists knowledge influences attitudes towards HIV/AIDS patients in Lusaka, Zambia.

With the increase in the number of persons suffering from HIV/AIDS, physiotherapists are often required to treat these patients who present with respiratory and neurological complications. Although physiotherapists are at a lower risk of HIV infection in the workplace than nurses and doctors, it is necessary to determine their knowledge and perceptions of the risks, fears of HIV transmission and their attitudes towards patients with the disease. The aim of the study was to determine the physiotherapists knowledge of, and their attitudes towards patients with HIV/AIDS. It also explored whether the physiotherapists knowledge influences attitudes towards HIV/AIDS patients in Lusaka, Zambia.

HIV and AIDS are now being considered as a chronic disease. As people live longer the possibility of physical disability increases. This study aimed to investigate the nature of physical disability among HIV/AIDS adults cared for by the Makeni home-based carers in Lusaka, Zambia. Disability was measured based on the World Health Organisation International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. This study demonstrated that mostly mild impairments and mild to moderate activity limitations and participation restrictions exists among patients in the Makeni home-based care programme. This study concluded that physiotherapists and other health professionals will have to be more involved in the community home-based programs that are suited for people living with HIV/AIDS so that they are also provided with clinical assessments and rehabilitation services.

HIV and AIDS are now being considered as a chronic disease. As people live longer the possibility of physical disability increases. This study aimed to investigate the nature of physical disability among HIV/AIDS adults cared for by the Makeni home-based carers in Lusaka, Zambia. Disability was measured based on the World Health Organisation International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. This study demonstrated that mostly mild impairments and mild to moderate activity limitations and participation restrictions exists among patients in the Makeni home-based care programme. This study concluded that physiotherapists and other health professionals will have to be more involved in the community home-based programs that are suited for people living with HIV/AIDS so that they are also provided with clinical assessments and rehabilitation services.