HIV-hepatitis co-infection in a rural community in Northern Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C pose a public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa and there are only few studies on co-infection of these viruses done in rural areas in Northern Nigeria. This study provides a rural perspective on HIV-hepatitis co-infection in a Northern Nigerian community. METHODS: this cross-sectional study was carried out amongst people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in a rural community hospital over a three-month period. Socio-demographic data and other relevant information were obtained from the participants and case notes using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody to Hepatitis C virus were assayed from serum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits developed by LabACON®. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables and logistic regression modelling was used to determine correlates of co-infection in the population. RESULTS: a total of 281 individuals participated in the study. The prevalence of Hepatitis B co-infection, Hepatitis C co-infection and triple infection was 6.0%, 14.6% and 1.1% respectively. Using Chi-square test, none of the socio-demographic characteristics, WHO Clinical Stage, viral suppression had significant association with Hepatitis B co-infection, however marital status was significantly associated with Hepatitis C co-infection and level of education was significantly associated with triple infection (p < 0.05). Logistic regression modelling generated no significant results. CONCLUSION: co-infection of viral hepatitis (particularly Hepatitis C) in PLWHA is common in rural Northern Nigeria, and significant correlates include lack of formal education and being married. There is need for provider-initiated routine counselling and screening of PLWHA for viral hepatitis, with adequate follow-up and treatment of co-infected individuals and Hepatitis B vaccination for those without co-infection.

The COVID-19 Crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of the Nigerian Public.

Within a short period of time, COVID-19 has spread globally, wreaking havoc in various facets of life. This study sought to measure the level of COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the Nigerian public. This was a cross-sectional online survey of the general population of educated Nigerians who had Internet access. Sociodemographic data and participants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices relating to COVID-19 were collected. Scores assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices were allocated and graded based on specific stratified demarcations. Student's t-test, analysis of variance, and logistic regression analysis were used where appropriate. Of the total 1,015 respondents, most of them exhibited good knowledge of COVID-19, with a mean knowledge grade of 78%; this significantly affected their attitude and practice grades (66% and 60.4%, respectively). Most respondents expressed positive attitudes toward foreigners and other stigma-prone groups, while also practicing appropriate preventive measures. Those aged 21-30 years and those with medical-related occupations had significantly higher knowledge scores (P < 0.001); and having a medical-related occupation increased the likelihood of having good knowledge compared with being unemployed (odds ratio [95% CI]: 6.6 [2.5-17.3]). Male participants aged 21-30 years and those with medical-related occupations had significantly higher attitude scores (P < 0.05). Engaging literate Nigerians on various media platforms, particularly social media, will result in wider reach for the purpose of COVID-19 education. Further studies on other sociodemographic groups within the country (e.g., the less educated) would give a clearer picture of the Nigerian situation as regards COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practices (coronavirus, COVID-19, Public health, Nigeria, Africa).