Determinants of Family Support Among People Living With HIV Seeking Care in a Tertiary Hospital in Lagos State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Family support, as an aspect of social life, is crucial for individuals, including people living with HIV (PLWH). This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of family support among PLWH in Nigeria and tested the consequences of HIV disclosure. It adopted a cross-sectional study design, using systematic random sampling to select 404 PLWH. Most respondents were female (mean age: 42.65 [12.74] years). Strong family support was prevalent at 67.6%. Family support was positively correlated with disclosure of HIV status and social quality of life, while negatively correlated with adherence and independent quality of life. Our findings support the consequences theory of HIV disclosure. It implies that family members of PLWH must provide more support to improve their quality of life.