Prevalence of HIV infection among newly admitted students in Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the associated acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) have remained a serious scourge and a major public health concern, affecting millions in sub-Saharan Africa despite awareness campaigns, preventive measures and promotion of antiretroviral regimens. This study determined the prevalence of HIV among newly admitted students of Ebonyi State University as a measure of the impact of awareness campaign towards prevention of HIV transmission. Methods: Newly admitted students of Ebonyi State University totalling 2,736 who voluntarily enrolled for the study were screened for HIV infection using the national HIV testing algorithm after information relating to their personal lifestyle, knowledge of safer sex and preventive measures have been obtained with the use of a client intake form. Results: Of the 2,736 subjects screened, 6 were positive for HIV, giving a prevalence rate of 0.22%, with prevalence rate of 0.29% (4 of 1344) in females and 0.14% (2 of 1392) in males (X 2 =0.2041, p=0.6514). The positive subjects were spread across age groups 15-19 years (1), 20-24 years (4) and 25-29 years (1). Males and females who have had sex were 801 and 579 out of which 239 and 209 respectively acknowledged to have had unprotected sex within three months of the study. Conclusion: The low HIV prevalence rate of 0.22% among school age and young adults in this study may indicate that awareness and safe sex campaigns in Ebonyi State have positive impact in HIV prevention amongst these groups of people.

HIV status of individuals who underwent pre-employment medical screening at a federal tertiary health institution in southeast Nigeria

“…Our finding is also corroborated by previous reports (27,30). The higher prevalence among females has been attributed to a number of factors, such as their vulnerability, which is frequently linked to low socioeconomic status, shyness toward sex education, and abhorrence of extramarital sex, which results in denying young girls access to sexual health and HIV services (27). To stem the tide of HIV spread in Nigeria, it has become imperative to deliberately improve on case finding through sensitization and testing of the general population especially the youths who are at risk of contracting HIV.…”

“…Similar report was made by NAIIS (28) in which a prevalence of 0.9% and 0.7% respectively were reported among female and male adults of age 15-64 years in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Our finding is also corroborated by previous reports (27,30). The higher prevalence among females has been attributed to a number of factors, such as their vulnerability, which is frequently linked to low socioeconomic status, shyness toward sex education, and abhorrence of extramarital sex, which results in denying young girls access to sexual health and HIV services (27).…”

“…A total of 13 HIV positive cases were detected yielding a seroprevalence of 2.4% (3.1% in females and 1.4% in males). Compared to the newly admitted students at Ebonyi State University in Abakaliki, southeast Nigeria, this prevalence is higher than reported by Nworie et al, (27). This might be because the students were younger, have recently graduated from secondary schools, and have been living under the relatively close supervision of their parents or guardians, who might have shielded them from several risk factors including sexual activity.…”