Sero-epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Previous sentinel surveys of HIV in Nigeria studied pregnant women attending antenatal care, thereby omitting other important high-risk groups. We therefore investigated the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in low-and high-risk populations in the state of Plateau, Nigeria. Methodology: Blood samples were collected by venepuncture from 5,021 adults aged ≥15 years between August and October 2008. At least one major town and one rural community were selected in each Local Government Area (LGA). Samples were initially screened with a rapid HIV testing kit; reactive samples were further tested using Stat Pak. Discordant samples were confirmed using Genie-II. Results: Of 5,021 subjects screened, 245 (4.88%) were seropositive. Local Government prevalence ranged from 0.68% in Bassa to 16.07% in Jos North. On average, LGAs in the Southern Senatorial Zone had higher rates. Most (over 80%) positive cases were younger than 40 years. Females had a significantly higher (6.85%) prevalence than males (2.72%). Age-specific prevalence was higher among females aged 25 to 29 years (2.09%). Risk factors identified for acquisition of HIV infection were previous history of STDs (6, 16.28%); men having sex with men (2, 11.76%); having multiple sexual partners (97; 10.49%); intravenous drug use (10, 7.58%); sharing of sharp objects (20, 4.82%); and history of blood transfusion (21, 3.65%). Conclusion: The seemingly higher prevalence recorded in this survey could be attributed to the inclusion of high-and low-risk groups in the general population, unlike previous reports which studied only antenatal care attendees. This survey provides useful baseline information for further studies.

HIV Prevalence in Vulnerable Children Living in Jos, Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria

“…The magnitude of HIV infection in children who are vulnerable either due to orphan-hood or other reasons in this current study was 3.8%. This is nearly equal to the adult HIV prevalence 4.8% reported amongst adult in the same location [18]. This study reveals that the magnitude of HIV infection in vulnerable children is enormous.…”

Comparative study on sero-prevalence and risk factors of HIV/AIDs between intra-city and long-distance commercial drivers in Kano State

“…Irregular and erratic use of condoms coupled with multiple sexual partners predisposes this drivers to sexually transmitted infections particularly HIV/AIDs as reported in many studies [2,4,16,19]. The practice of safer sex with the use of condoms can prevent HIV transmission especially among those with multiple sexual partners [29].…”

Pattern of home-based care in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients attending adult antiretroviral therapy clinic of Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria: A review from September, 2008 to December, 2013

“…The state has a population of 3,206,531 (National Bureau of Statistics, 2006) and consists of people from all works of life. HIV infection prevalence reports in Plateau state surveys have ranged from of 4.88% in the general populations, with most of the infected people younger than 40 years and a significantly higher prevalence in females than males (Gomwalk et al, 2012), to 8.2% in pregnant women (Sagay et al, 2005) and 48% in commercial sex workers (Imade et al, 2008). The state is well known for tourism and usually attracts a high influx of visitors.…”