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
Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Population Groups , Risk-Taking , Seroepidemiologic StudiesABSTRACT
Background: Published data on HIV; HBV; and HCV in correctional facilities in Nigeria is scarce. We set out to establish the seroprevalence; co-infection; and risk factors for these infections for the first time among prison inmates in Nasarawa State; Nigeria. Methodology: In a cross-sectional study conducted between April and May; 2007; blood samples were collected from 300 male prisoners of a mean age of 29.2 years; in the state's four medium-security prisons (overall population: 587). Prior to the study; ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained and structured questionnaires were administered. Samples were analyzed for HIV; HBsAg; and HCV using anti-HIV 1 +2-EIA- avicenna; ShantestTM-HBsAg ELISA; and anti-HCV-EIA-avicenna; respectively. Specimens initially reactive for HIV were retested with vironostika microelisa. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 13.0. P values = 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Of the 300 subjects; 54 (18.0); 69 (23.0); and 37 (12.3) tested positive for HIV; HBV; and HCV; respectively. Co-infections were eight (2.7) for HIV/HBV and two (0.7) for HBV/HCV. Those aged 21-26 years were more likely to be infected with HIV and HBV; while those aged 33-38 years had the highest HCV infection. Associated risk factors included duration in prison; previous incarceration (for HIV; HBV and HCV); intra-prison anal sex; multiple sex partners (for HIV and HBV); ignorance of transmission modes; blood transfusion; and alcohol consumption (for HBV and HCV). No inmate injected drugs. Conclusions: The overall outcome represents the need for prison-focused intervention initiatives in Nigeria. Injected drug use is an unlikely major transmission mode among Nigerian inmates