Cross-sectional Study of HIV Infection and Implication of Demographic Dependent Risk among People in Three Local Government Areas in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: HIV poses a substantial global health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where Nigeria grapples with a disproportionate burden. Three Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria, known for distinctive HIV patterns, are the focus. In Nigeria, South-South presents with the highest rate of HIV infection in Nigeria. Aim: This study aims to understand the relationships between HIV infection and various social, demographic, and non-HIV-specific modifiable factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional study (N = 392) was carried out to explore these dynamics, examining marital status, education, employment, physical environment, age, sex, and non-HIV-specific factors like fever, weight loss, alcohol consumption, Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) status, and tuberculosis (TB). Chi-square was used to test the hypothesis at alpha level of 0.05. Results: It revealed no significant relationship between age and HIV infection (p<0.05), and similarly, no significant gender association at p<0.05. However, marital status emerged as a significant factor (p<0.05), while educational status did not show significance at p<0.05. Modifiable non-HIV-specific factors, including Hepatitis, Fever, Weight Loss, HBsAg, and TB, exhibited significant associations with HIV at p<0.05. Conclusion: This study has provided valuable insights into the complex interplay of social, demographic, and modifiable factors influencing HIV vulnerability in Nigeria's South-South region. The findings have implications for tailoring focused prevention and intervention strategies to mitigate HIV transmission risks in this specific region.