Attitudes of physiotherapists in Botswana to treating people living with HIV/AIDS

Physiotherapists are increasingly treating people living with HIV/AIDS. However, there is little information reported on either their attitudes when providing treatment to people with HIV/AIDS, or what facilitates positive attitudes. This study aimed to determine the attitudes of physiotherapists in Botswana towards treating people living with HIV/AIDS. A qualitative approach was used with a purposive sample of 10 physiotherapists working in hospitals and private clinics in Gaborone and Ramotswa. In-depth interviews were conducted with individual physiotherapists, utilising an interview guide in. The results indicated that most physiotherapists had a positive attitude towards treating people living with HIV/AIDS. The positive attitude was associated with interrelated factors including their experience with people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA); knowledge of HIV/AIDS; job satisfaction; and a belief in a duty to treat all. A few physiotherapists had a negative attitude which was related to being judgmental and to a fear of acquiring HIV through occupational infection.