Analysis of knowledge, attitude, behavioural & structural factors driving HIV epidemic in Gombe state, Nigeria
Document type: mthesis
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Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Gombe State located in north-eastern Nigeria, continue to experience the brunt of HIV epidemic despite the progress made in access to treatment, care and support services. The State’s epidemic is generalized with an adult HIV prevalence of 4.9% sufficient to sustain the epidemic. Equally, high HIV prevalence (urban; 7.0%, rural; 3.1%) among age group 15-24 years suggest recent transmission. The occurrence of new infections is a manifestation of weak prevention programme. Information on behavioural factors and drivers of the State epidemic is essential for evidence-informed prevention programme, hitherto such information scarcely exists. Hence, this study seeks to assess the level of knowledge and attitude about HIV among the general population, explore the behavioural factors and drivers that fuel the State’s epidemic, and recommend interventions and themes for further research. METHODOLOGY: To assess the level of HIV knowledge and attitude data was analyzed from 1,481 men and women age 15-49 years who participated in a cross-sectional survey selected by multistage random sampling. Behavioural factors and drivers of generalized and concentrated epidemic were explored to identify those that influence the State’s epidemic by reviewing existing literature. RESULT: Over 95% of respondents have heard of HIV with no significance difference between urban-rural location and sex. Faithful monogamy and condom use is opined by over 95% and 75% of respondents respectively as means of protection against HIV. Most respondents dispelled misconceptions about HIV, but only 30.6% of urban men and 28.3% of urban women believe that HIV is incurable. Over 80% of respondents expressed accepting attitude towards PLHIV, however, 47.8% and 68.1% of men and women respectively with higher education opined that HIV status of a family member should remain a secret. Rural respondents have higher knowledge on MTCT than their urban counterpart. Uptake of HCT and risk perception are low across background characteristics. Multiple partnership, concurrent partnership, sexual mixing alcohol/drug use, low condom use, STI, FSW, extramarital sex associated with polygyny pre/post-partum abstinence, early marriage intergenerational sex, neighbourhood factors, mobility/migration, stigma and discrimination, gender inequality, wealth and poverty are the most likely drivers of the State’s epidemic. The role of male low circumcision in southern part of the State, MSM, IDU, orogenital sex, intravaginal practices, sororate/levirate, widow cleansing, spouse sharing, social capital, militarization in the State’s HIV epidemic is uncertain. CONCLUSION: While this study has revealed the level of knowledge on HIV, behavioural factors and drivers of the Gombe State epidemic, further research is essential for understanding the dynamics of the epidemic. However, with the available knowledge targeted interventions could curb the spread of the virus.
Authors:
Usman, A.U.
Country:
Nigeria
Category:
Research
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Keywords:
HIV and AIDS
,
disease prevention and control
Language:
eng
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
PAGE:
79
Year:
2009
Region:
West Africa
Right:
© 2009 Usman
Subject:
Health and Nutrition
Title:
Analysis of knowledge, attitude, behavioural & structural factors driving HIV epidemic in Gombe state, Nigeria
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD)