Socio-demographic characteristics of adults screened for HIV/AIDS in a rural community in Benue state, Nigeria

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; 85are 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

Effect of demographic variables on cytomegalovirus antibody seropositivity among prospective blood donors in Jos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus, otherwise called human herpes virus type 5, is a transfusion transmissible pathogen responsible for significant morbidity and mortality among various groups of individuals with damaged or impaired host immunity. Although it has a worldwide distribution, the infection is thought to be more widespread in developing countries where certain demographic factors and living conditions are thought to be responsible for the observed increased prevalence of this infection. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of living conditions, using certain selected demographic parameters, on CMV seropositivity, among blood donors in Jos. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 200 prospective blood donors who presented for bleeding were recruited consecutively into the study. Questionnaire was used to obtain the personal, educational, social and demographic data of donors. Screening for CMV antibodies was performed on each serum sample using ELISA kit ("DIALAB", Austria) (www.dialab.at). RESULTS: The relationship between the extent of crowding and CMV status of donors was statistically significant, p<0.05. Other studied donor demographic parameters (source of drinking water, place of abode and type of toilet facility) did not statistically influence donor CMV status, p>0.05. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that overcrowding was the most significant factor that statistically influenced donor CMV status in Jos, Nigeria. There is, therefore, an urgent need for concerted effort to handle the problem of overcrowding in developing countries and Nigeria in particular.

Effect of Demographic Variables on Cytomegalovirus Antibody Seropositivity among Prospective Blood Donors in Jos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus, otherwise called human herpes virus type 5, is a transfusion transmissible pathogen responsible for significant morbidity and mortality among various groups of individuals with damaged or impaired host immunity. Although it has a worldwide distribution, the infection is thought to be more widespread in developing countries where certain demographic factors and living conditions are thought to be responsible for the observed increased prevalence of this infection. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of living conditions, using certain selected demographic parameters, on CMV seropositivity, among blood donors in Jos. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 200 prospective blood donors who presented for bleeding were recruited consecutively into the study. Questionnaire was used to obtain the personal, educational, social and demographic data of donors. Screening for CMV antibodies was performed on each serum sample using ELISA kit ("DIALAB", Austria) (www.dialab.at). RESULTS: The relationship between the extent of crowding and CMV status of donors was statistically significant, p<0.05. Other studied donor demographic parameters (source of drinking water, place of abode and type of toilet facility) did not statistically influence donor CMV status, p>0.05. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that overcrowding was the most significant factor that statistically influenced donor CMV status in Jos, Nigeria. There is, therefore, an urgent need for concerted effort to handle the problem of overcrowding in developing countries and Nigeria in particular.

Perception and attitude to epilepsy among teachers in primary, secondary and tertiary educational institutions in middle belt Nigeria.

Compared with the disability associated with repeated seizures or side-effects of antiepileptic medications, the social stigma associated with epilepsy is often a major handicap to people living with this condition. This study therefore looked at the knowledge, attitude and perception of teachers who see a lot of epileptics, relates on daily bases and have a high influence on students with epilepsy.Self-administered questionnaires were used to obtain information from 460 randomly selected teachers in primary, secondary and tertiary educational institutions in Kwara State-middle belt of Nigeria. The response rate was 75%. Almost all of the teachers had heard about epilepsy, but their awareness does not equate with the acceptance and understanding of epilepsy. About 30.5% believed that it could be contracted through the saliva of an epileptic, 27.7% thought it was synonymous with possession with evil spirit, while 10% misunderstood epilepsy for insanity. Close to one-fifth of the teachers were of the opinion that epileptic students have a below average mental capacity compared with other students and so cannot attainment the highest possible education. Negative attitude and bias towards epilepsy is still deeply ingrained among teachers in Nigeria. Apart from formal education, teachers need to have health education courses on common disease conditions such as epilepsy that are prevalent in school age. This might help to reduce prejudice and increase the acceptance of epileptic individuals into the classroom.

Contraceptive method choices among adolescents in a Nigerian tertiary institution.

This study was undertaken to describe adolescents, use of contraceptive methods and to examine factors that motivate their choice. Face-to-face interview of single, randomly selected 971 males and females aged 18-24 years in a Nigerian tertiary institution was conducted. Among sexually active males and females 72 percent and 81 percent respectively had ever used contraception. The commonest methods ever used by the males and females respectively were the condom (43 percent) and rhythm (31 percent). While females were mainly motivated by pregnancy prevention irrespective of the sexual relationship, the males were more concerned about disease prevention in unstable sexual relationships. However, adolescents whose choice was motivated by disease prevention did not choose the condom significantly more frequently than other methods. The college clinic, complimented by other programmes, should be strengthened for reproductive health services.

PIP: The use of contraceptives among adolescents is significantly different from that of older married couples, and it is influenced by educational, developmental, social, and psychological factors. This study provides information about the prevalence of contraceptive methods used among single adolescents in college and examines the factors that motivate their choice. 971 randomly selected males and females aged 18-24 years in a Nigerian tertiary institution were interviewed personally. The analysis of these 971 single adolescents having similar age distributions but different ethnic and religious backgrounds showed that most respondents (97.7% and 98.4% of males and females, respectively) knew at least one method of contraception. The commonest methods ever used were the condom (43%) and the rhythm method (31%). Females were mainly motivated by the need to prevent pregnancy, while males were more concerned with disease prevention in unstable sexual relationships. Adolescents who based their contraceptive choice on disease prevention did not choose the condom more frequently than other methods. Factors militating against contraceptive use by sexually experienced respondents included religious belief and fear of complications. The study recommends that college clinics be strengthened to manage reproductive health services. Programs should include information, education, and communication efforts targeted at these young people.

Sexual behaviour and condom acceptance among Nigerian drivers.

A survey of 180 randomly selected drivers was carried out in June 1994 in Ilorin, Nigeria in order to gain information about high-risk sexual behaviours, to ascertain condom use and to identify obstacles to condom acceptance so as to facilitate the design of an intervention to prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Acquired Immuno-deficiency Disease in this target population. Data was collected through face-to-face interview. Three-quarters of the respondents were married. Multiplicity of sexual partners including casual and commercial contacts, was common. Half of the respondents engaged in high-risk sexual behaviour and a high proportion of them (60 percent) reported unwillingness to use the condom. This was mainly due to general dislike and lack of knowledge of the method. Risk perception was poor. These findings support the need for male reproductive health services especially for this sub-population.

PIP: 180 public transport drivers randomly selected from major motor parks in Ilorin, Nigeria, were surveyed in June 1994 to learn about their high-risk sexual behaviors, condom use, and obstacles to the acceptance of condoms. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. The men were of mean age 33 years with a range of 19-53 years. 39.4% drove buses, 36.7% a car, 13.3% a truck or trailer, and 19% a lorry. 76.6% worked in urban areas. In the preceding 12 months, 16% of the single men had no sexual intercourse. However, 91% of the single sexually active men had multiple sex partners. Of the 98 (71.5%) married men who had extramarital sexual relationships, at least 72% had multiple extramarital sex partners. The prevalences of casual and commercial sex were 43% and 30.6%, respectively. Half of the drivers were involved in unstable sexual relationships. However, despite the high incidence of high-risk sex behavior, 60% reported being unwilling to use condoms, mainly due to their general dislike and ignorance of the method. The men poorly perceived the extent to which they were at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases through their sexual behavior.