Socio-Demographic Characteristics Of Adults Screened For Hiv/Aids In A Rural Community In Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Benue state has been considered among the 'hot zones' for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria with a prevalence rate of 9.3 among adults aged 15 to 45 years. Yet, there is paucity of information on the socio-demographic factors associated with this level of prevalence. We hereby report the prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with HIV among adults in Abwa-Mbagene, Benue state, Nigeria. Methods: Adults in Abwa-Mbagene community who accepted to participate between 9th and 24th of August 2007 were recruited. After counselling, screening was done using 'Determine HIV' kit. Results: 153 subjects (74 males and 79 females) were recruited. Their age ranges from 15 to 60 years (Mean: 26.2years). Fourty-two (27.5%) consisting of 12 (16.2%) males and 30 (38%) females were positive for HIV (male to female ratio, 2:5). The prevalence of HIV was higher among the divorcees (50%); those whose level of education was primary school (41.3%) and below and; farmers (60%). Majority (96%) knows AIDS exists, 85% are informed on mode and prevention of HIV transmission. Cases of AIDS deaths, unprotected casual sex, blood transfusion with unscreened blood and polygamy are common in the community. The single most important cultural factors in HIV transmission identified is indulgence in night parties, which increased the rate of unprotected casual sex. Conclusion: This community represents a high HIV/AIDS prevalence spot in Benue State, Nigeria. There is therefore the need for the establishment of HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT), Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT), save blood and antiretroviral treatment services in the community. Vocational centers to engage single women and improve their financial state will boost preventive strategies. Finally, partnership with community leaders towards discouraging night parties will reduce the prevalence of HIV in the community.

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

“…This profile generally represents what obtains in other Nigerian studies involving HIV patients (Laah and Ayiwulu, 2010;Nakama et al, 2015;Odimayo et al, 2010). Home based care studies in other parts of Africa among HIV populations have also shown a predominance of females of a younger age group than men (3, 8) and this is in keeping with reports of increased susceptibility to HIV in younger women (Ramjee, 2013;Glynn et al, 2001).…”

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Serological Patterns in Benue State, Nigeria

“…Although high prevalence of HIV in Benue State has often been attributed to cultural habits such as un-protected sex at night gatherings including during burial night wake keepings [13], low literacy and poverty [7]; it is not clear whether HBV which have similar mode of transmission and associated risk factors like HIV will share in these attributes.…”

‘No one knows what will happen after these five years’: narratives of ART, access and agency in Nigeria

“…An electronic forum, Nigerian Best Forum, has posted an exchange on this issue with one blogger citing Professor John Idoko, Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, as follows: "The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has attributed the high HIV prevalence in Benue State to poverty, illiteracy and the lack of empowerment for women" (8). One study in a Benue community found HIV prevalence to be highest among farmers, divorcees and those with educational level at primary school and below, with the main risk factor being unprotected casual sex (9). Further analysis of Benue state and how it is currently and historically situated in the larger Nigerian polity and economy may also help shed more light on the epidemiology of HIV in Benue.…”