Issues in Measuring HIV Prevalence: The Case of Nigeria

Abstract

This article reviews methodologies and data sources that have been used to measure HIV prevalence and sexual behaviours associated with the transmission of HIV in Nigeria. The review includes 35 studies on HIV prevalence and methodology and 34 studies on sexual behaviour published between 1990 and 2000. As at 1999, 5.1-5.4% of http://www.bioline.org.br/request?rh02031 (1 of 24)10/20/2004 11:17:27 AM http://www.bioline.org.br/request?rh02031 the general population was estimated to be infected with HIV. Trend data, although limited, indicate that HIV prevalence is increasing among both the general population and specific subgroups. Data on sexual behaviours indicate that risk behaviours are very common in Nigeria while condom use remains low. Studies in local areas and on population subgroups indicate great variability in both HIV prevalence and sexual risk behaviour. Comparability of data is limited as a result of differences in design and measurement across studies. Also, there is a dearth of information on certain groups at high risk for HIV. Despite efforts to establish and improve HIV surveillance in Nigeria, this review illustrates limitations and challenges undoubtedly shared by other countries. (Afr J Reprod Health 2002; 6[3]: 11-29) RÉSUMÉQuestions concernant la mensuration de la prevalence du VIH: le cas du Nigéria. Cet article passe en revue les méthodologies et les sources des données dont on s'est servi pour mesurer la prévalence du VIH et des comportements sexuels liées à la transmission du VIH au Nigéria. L'analyse comprend 35 études sur la prévalence et la méthodologie du VIH et 34 études sur le comportment sexuel qui ont été publiées entre 1990 et 2000. Jusqu'à 1999, 5,1-5,4% de la population générale auraient été infectées du VIH. Les données de tendance, quoique limitées, indiquent que la prévalence du VIH est en hausse parmi la population générale et les sous-groupes particuliers. Les données sur les comportements sexuels indiquent que les comportements de risque sont très communs au Nigéria tandis que l'emploi des préservatifs est peu populaire. Les études dans les régions locales et qui portent sur les sous-groupes de la population indiquent une grande variabilité par rapport à la prévalence du VIH et au comportement du risque sexuel. La comparabilité de données est limitée à cause des différence au niveau du dessein et de la mensuration à travers des études. Il y a également un grand manque de renseignements sur certains groupes à haut risque du VIH. Malgré les efforts faits pour établir et pour améliorer la surveillance du VIH au Nigéria, cette étude illustre les limitations et les défis qui sont, sans doute, partagés par d'autres pays. (Rev Afr Santé Reprod 2002; 6[3]: 11-29)

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus in a tertiary institution in North Western Nigeria

“…It could be because when sex is unprotected, or a new condom is not properly used each time, the risk of HBsAg increases. Data on sexual behaviours indicated that risky behaviours are very common in Nigeria; while condom use remains low due to religious and cultural beliefs (Pauchaud et al, 2002). In couples, insistence on use of condom during sex may be a sign of lack of trust towards the partner, which may generate acrimony (Otori et al, 2013).…”

Surveying infections among pregnant women in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

“…Data on sexual behaviors indicate that risky behaviors are very common in Nigeria, while condom use remains low. [23] In couples, insistence on use of condom during sex may be a sign of lack of trust towards the partner, which may generate acrimony. Unprotected sexual intercourse is the major route of human procreation among couples; and unfaithfulness on the part of any of the partners by way of being involved in unprotected extramarital relationship constitutes a risk factor.…”

Premarital Sex, Procreation, and HIV Risk in Nigeria

“…The Nigerian government's current projections are that between 6 and 10 percent of the adult population aged 15-45 will be infected by 2010 and that between 8.1 and 9.4 million people will have died from AIDS-related causes by 2015 (National Action Committee on AIDS 2003). Although the numbers and the trajectory of Nigeria's epidemic are difficult to predict, few experts would dispute that, given the current trends and Nigeria's massive pop-ulation, in the next ten to 15 years Nigeria will have the largest number of people living with HIV/AIDS of any country in Africa (Panchaud et al 2002).…”