The Role of Drinking Places in Enhancing Risky Sexual Behaviours and the Spread of HIV/AIDS amongst the Tiv People of Benue State, Central Nigeria

Abstract

In 2013, the prevalence and incidence rates of HIV/AIDS infection in Nigeria were 3,229,757 and 220,394 respectively. Despite the fact that the influence of alcohol consumption on unsafe sexual behaviours and HIV risk in Nigeria has been documented, gaps still exist in knowledge on the roles of drinking places. This paper examines the roles of drinking places in enhancing illicit, risky sexual behaviours (irregular condom use and having sex while drunk) and the spread of HIV. A sample of 1,621 (864 women; 757 men; 815 HIV seropositive; 806 HIV seronegative) respondents who participated in survey and in-depth interviews were selected from 2 clinics and 2 other locations using multi-stage and purposive sampling methods. SPSS (version 21) software was used for quantitative data analysis. Drinking places are meeting points for lovers, alcohol consumption, verbal pornography and negotiations for illicit sexual activities with high risk of HIV infection. Understanding, and then addressing the impact of drinking places on risky sexual behaviours would assist in reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS amongst the Tiv people. Consequently, there likely would be an improvement in the sexual wellbeing of individuals and the public in Nigeria more generally.