International Journal of
MediPharm Research

Lesotho continues to experience a severe HIV epidemic, ranking second globally in HIV prevalence after Swaziland. Older adults face unique challenges in HIV prevention, including limited awareness about HIV/AIDS, social stigma, and discrimination, which often result in delayed testing, late diagnosis, and hesitancy in seeking healthcare. This study represents the first effort in rural Lesotho to evaluate the understanding of HIV transmission, preventive measures, and treatment among elderly individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Methods: The study targeted elderly patients aged 50 years and above receiving care at four rural clinics in the Maseru district. A random selection of medical records of HIV-positive patients from each clinic was performed. Baseline knowledge assessments were conducted, followed by structured interviews both before and after a targeted educational intervention using the same validated tool. Results: Initially, 269 participants were interviewed. Females comprised 65.8% of the cohort, and 71.4% had only completed primary education. A composite score encompassing knowledge of HIV transmission and treatment was computed, with scores ?75% classified as “adequate knowledge.” At baseline, only 34.2% of participants demonstrated adequate knowledge. Females showed higher knowledge levels than males (OR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–3.5; P=0.022), and those with secondary or higher education performed better than participants with lower education levels (OR=2.8, 95% CI: 1.1–7.8; P=0.021). Multivariate logistic regression controlling for age, gender, and education confirmed these associations. Notably, 36.8% of participants reported engaging in unprotected sexual activity. Following the intervention, 183 participants were re-interviewed. The greatest knowledge gains were observed among participants with no formal education (OR=6.5, 95% CI: 1.5–59.3; P=0.005), males (OR=4.4, 95% CI: 1.6–14.9; P=0.001), and those aged 65 and older (OR=6.5, 95% CI: 1.5 59.3; P=0.005). Conclusion: Elderly individuals living with HIV/AIDS in rural Lesotho exhibit substantial gaps in knowledge regarding HIV transmission, prevention, and treatment. Targeted interventions that consider educational disparities and improve healthcare access are urgently needed. Post-intervention results indicate that structured educational programs can significantly enhance knowledge, particularly among those initially less informed. Keywords: Older adults; HIV education; HIV prevention; Antiretroviral therapy; Cultural influences; Knowledge enhancement.