Legalisation of abortion in a poor-resource setting: nigerian undergraduates' perspectives.

Background: Abortion is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality amongst Nigerian women in a country with restrictive abortion laws. Despite being illegal, abortions are still performed, and about 50% of abortions are performed by untrained persons in unhygienic conditions. This study assessed the determinants of attitude of undergraduates to legalisation of safe abortion in Nigeria. Methods: It is a descriptive cross-sectional study. We used a three-stage sampling technique to select 423 undergraduates using a pre-tested questionnaire. The predictors of attitude towards abortion and its legalisation were identified during multivariate analysis. Results: Good knowledge of abortion and its sequelae was found in about two-thirds (62.2%) of the participants, while over half (56.3%) had a negative perspective to abortion legalisation in Nigeria. Older participants were more likely to have positive perspectives to legalisation of abortion compared to their younger counterparts (odds ratio [OR] = 4.72, confidence interval [CI]: 2.61-8.55). Furthermore, respondents from upper social class and those with good knowledge were more likely to have positive perspectives to legalisation of abortion compared to their counterparts (OR = 5.63, CI: 3.12-10.16 and OR = 4.50, CI: 2.89-7.01). Conclusion: The study showed that respondents' knowledge of abortion was relatively low amongst the study population, and more than half of the respondents did not want abortion to be legalised. Increasing awareness on the importance of abortion and its complications in Nigeria will curb the menace of death due to abortion now and in the future.

Willingness of Family Caregivers to Consent to Relative's Postmortem Examination that Die Suddenly in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Postmortem examination is necessary to diagnose the cause of sudden death, and family caregivers are expected to consent to this examination. This study assessed knowledge, attitude, practices and willingness of family caregivers to consent to postmortem examination of their relative if they die suddenly in a Nigerian tertiary hospital. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study of family caregivers of our patients that completed an interviewer administered semistructured questionnaire assessing their knowledge, attitude, practices and willingness to consent to postmortem examination of their relative if they die suddenly. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: A total of 224 caregivers were interviewed. The mean age (SD) was 34.95 (11.74), ranging 22-75 years. They were parents (32.6%), siblings (37.9%), spouses (11.2%) and other relatives (18.3%). Only 17% had adequate knowledge, 44.6% positive attitude and 11.2% good practices to postmortem examination of sudden death. The majority (75.9%) would consent to postmortem examination of their relatives if they die suddenly. Sociodemographic variables associated with willingness to consent to postmortem examination after relative's sudden death include being male (AOR 3.61; 95%CI 3.09-8.92; p=0.001), having tertiary education (AOR 4.83; 95%CI 1.01-8.29; p=0.034), Christianity (AOR 2.59; 95%CI 1.25-5.35; p=0.010) and skilled worker (AOR 1.43; 95%CI 1.33-3.80; p=0.020). CONCLUSION: Some family caregivers would not consent to postmortem examination of their relatives when they die suddenly. Sensitization programs targeting family caregivers are necessary to increase knowledge and enhance prevention of sudden death as well as improve willingness to consent to postmortem examination when their relatives die suddenly.

Knowledge about and preventive practices against neonatal tetanus among young Nigerian women.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was carried out to determine the knowledge about and preventive practices against neonatal tetanus (NNT) in young women of reproductive age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study design of 380 randomly selected consenting young women of child-bearing age at a Nigerian tertiary educational institution. They completed a semi-structured questionnaire on knowledge about and risk factors for NNT, willingness to receive the vaccine, and uptake of tetanus toxoid vaccine. RESULTS: The mean age (standard deviation) of the women was 22.4 (4.6) years ranging from 15 to 30 years. The majority (64.5%) had poor knowledge of the causes of and risk factors for NNT with only 31% knowing that immunizing women against tetanus prevents NNT. Most of the women (58%) were unwilling to receive tetanus immunization. A total of 15.5% had received tetanus toxoid, but only 0.5% had completed the required dosage. A higher proportion of respondents with good knowledge about tetanus had tetanus toxoid immunization (28.1% vs. 8.6%; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Knowledge about NNT, willingness to receive the vaccine, and uptake of tetanus toxoid were unacceptably poor among respondents. There is a need for continuous education targeting young women on the link between the tetanus immunization status of women and the occurrence of NNT.

Nutritional status of under-five children born to teenage mothers in an urban setting, south-western Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: There have been many studies on the nutritional status of under-fives and factors responsible but very few looks at this special group of women. This study assessed the breastfeeding practices of teenage mothers and determined its association with the nutritional indices of their under-five children. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey. A total of 300 mother-child pair was selected using a multi-stage sampling technique from Primary Health Care centres in Ondo West Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were done to identify predictors' of poor nutritional status at p < 0.05. RESULTS: About 87% initiated breastfeeding less than 1 h after birth while 31.9% breastfed their children exclusively for 6 months. Prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight among the under-fives were 18.6%, 25.3%, and 29.5% respectively. Initiation of breastfeeding more than 1 h after birth increased the odds of stunting (OR = 9.551, CI = 1.279-16.310) and underweight (OR = 6.674, CI = 3.159-14.097) by about 10 and 7 times respectively. Whereas odds of wasting (OR = 2.346, CI = 1.228-4.480) was 2 times higher with breastfeeding duration less than 6 months. Therefore, education of teenage mothers on breastfeeding initiation and duration is vital in reducing malnutrition among under-fives.

Restless legs syndrome: a rarity in the Nigerian pregnant population?

OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of RLS in pregnancy is higher when compared with the general population however it remains unknown among indigenous black Africans. Available data indicate that RLS is uncommon in sub-Saharan Africa. We embarked on this study to determine the prevalence and characteristics of RLS in an antenatal clinic sample of Nigerian pregnant women compared with a primary care sample of non-pregnant women. METHODS: A total of 310 pregnant women and non-pregnant women filled out a questionnaire which incorporated the 2014 minimal criteria of the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group. Demographic and clinical data, including sleep duration and samples for blood hemoglobin concentration and urinalysis were obtained. RESULTS: The mean ages of the pregnant and non-pregnant women were 24.9 ± 5.6 years and 23.6 + 5.4 years, respectively (p = 0.003). There was no case of RLS found among pregnant women while five (1.6%) of the non-pregnant women fulfilled the criteria for RLS. Overall, the prevalence report of RLS symptoms was associated with lower mean habitual nocturnal sleep duration (p < 0.05) coffee (p = 0.013) and kola nut (0.023) consumption, report of leg cramps (p < 0.001) and proteinuria (p = 0.047), Report of leg cramps and proteinuria were independently associated with RLS. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of restless legs syndrome is low among women of child-bearing age in the Nigerian population and may be lower in pregnancy. Report of leg cramps and proteinuria are independently associated with RLS.

In-school adolescents' weight status and blood pressure profile in South-western Nigeria: urban-rural comparison.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a risk factor for hypertension. The study observed the relationship between adolescent weight status and blood pressure (BP) and the determinants of the BP pattern in urban and rural areas. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 1000 randomly selected respondents (500 from urban and 500 from rural areas) who had anthropometry and BP measurements done. The pattern of BP measurements based on the weight status by location was observed. Statistical inferences were drawn via Chi-square and logistic regression. RESULTS: The mean age for all the respondents was 13.73 years ±2.04 (13.63 ± 2.05 for urban and 13.82 ± 2.03 for rural). Systolic and diastolic BP generally increased with increasing respondents' age, with mean pressures higher in urban areas. About 3% were obese, while 7.7% were overweight. The overall prevalence of high BP was 4.1%, with two-thirds coming from urban areas. On logistic regression analysis, the significant variables associated with high BP include being female (AOR 2.067, 95%CI1.007-4.243, p = 0.048), overweight (AOR 5.574, 95%CI 2.501-12.421, p = 0.0001) and obese (AOR 12.437, 95%CI 4.636-33.364, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: High BP was associated with being female, overweight and obesity in both urban and rural areas. Urgent measures are needed to address increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents and consequent high blood pressure.

Determinants of Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake among Women in Ilorin, North Central Nigeria: A Community-Based Study.

Introduction. Cancer of the cervix is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in developing countries. Screening is one of the most cost effective control strategies for the disease. This study assessed the determinants of cervical cancer screening uptake among Nigerian women. Methodology. This cross-sectional study was conducted using multistage sampling technique among 338 participants in Ilorin, North Central Nigeria. A pretested questionnaire was used for data collection and data analysis was done using SPSS version 21. Chi-square test was used for bivariate analysis while binary logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results. Only 8.0% of the respondents had ever been screened for cancer of the cervix. The proportion of women who had ever been screened was significantly higher among those who demonstrated positive attitude to screening (81.5%, p = 0.001), respondents who were aware of the disease (100.0%, p = 0.001), and those who were aware of cervical cancer screening (88.9%, p = 0.001). Respondents who had negative attitude had 63% lesser odds of being screened compared to those who had positive attitudes towards screening (AOR; 0.37, 95% CI; 0.01-0.28). Conclusion. There is urgent need to improve the knowledge base and attitude of Nigerian women to enhance cervical cancer screening uptake among them.

Targeting women with free cervical cancer screening: challenges and lessons learnt from Osun state, southwest Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: The study was conducted to determine the challenges and suggest solutions to conducting free cervical cancer screening among Nigerian women. METHODS: Awareness was created among women groups and mass media in Osun State for women to undergo free cervical cancer screening programme. Consenting women had their socio-demographic characteristics, awareness and uptake of HPV vaccine documented and papanicolaou smear procedure done with adequate referral for treatment given where necessary. RESULTS: A total of 287 women had cervical cancer screening. Mean (SD) age was 51.6 (14.3) years. Most participants were urban based (87.1%), married (63.1%), had secondary education (39%) and were traders (79.1%). None of the women were aware of the preventive HPV vaccine or had been vaccinated against HPV. About 6% were pre-invasive while 0.7% had invasive cervical cancer. The highest proportions of respondents affected were young, married and had lower education. Challenges identified included poor attendance, low risk perception and logistic issues. CONCLUSION: Most participants were urban based. There is need to decentralize cancer of cervix screening through mobile clinics and establishment of screening centres in the rural areas. Neighbour to neighbour sensitization is essential. Also, HPV vaccine should be available and affordable to all girls before sexual maturity.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Health Workers in a Tertiary Hospital in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, towards Ebola Viral Disease.

Background. Health workers are more prone to Ebola viral disease (EVD) than the general population. This study assessed the preparedness of health workers in the control and management of EVD. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study. Consenting 400 health workers completed a semistructured questionnaire that assessed participants' general knowledge, emergency preparedness, and control and management of EVD. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results. The mean age (SD) was 34.5 ± 8.62 years ranging from 20 to 59 years. Most participants were medical doctors (24.6%) and nurses (52.2%). The majority had practised <10 years (73.8%) and were aware of the EVD outbreak in the West African subregion (85.5%). Colleagues (40%) and radio (37.2%) were their major sources of information. Only 42% had good knowledge while 27% knew that there was no vaccine presently to prevent EVD. About one-quarter (24.2%) had low risk perception. The majority (89%) felt the hospital infection control policy was inadequate to protect against EVD. The only predictor of good knowledge was participants' occupation. Conclusion. There is knowledge gap and poor infection control preparedness among respondents. Thus, knowledge and practices of health workers towards EVD need improvement.

Sexual experiences of married HIV positive women in Osogbo, southwest Nigeria: role of inappropriate status disclosure.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide heterosexual sex is the most common mode of HIV transmission, with the marital heterosexual route becoming a major contributor in sub-Sahara Africa. This study examined the role of inappropriate HIV status disclosure, after diagnosis, on marital sexual experiences of HIV positive women. METHODS: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. An interviewer administered questionnaire that elicited information about HIV status disclosure to partners, sexual experiences, condom use and parity was administered to 122 married women living with HIV/AIDS. Participants were referred from peripheral health centres to receive comprehensive HIV care at the State Specialist Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria. RESULTS: Mean age (SD) of respondents was 33.8 (8.9) years. Only 23.8% of partners had HIV screening, with 3.3% being HIV positive. A majority (62%) of respondents reported experiencing marital sex deprivation since their partners became aware of their HIV status. There was a reported rejection (74.3%) of condom use by partners during sexual intercourse. Fear of becoming infected (85.7%) and blaming the women for their positive status (85.7%) were the main reasons the respondents gave for being sexually deprived by their partners. CONCLUSION: Inappropriate status disclosure due to poor HIV counseling and testing (HCT) practices resulted in sexual deprivation of married HIV positive women. Adequate training and retraining of health care workers on HCT and HIV status disclosure will reduce experience of sexual deprivation among married HIV positive women.

Knowledge of Hepatitis B Virus Infection, Immunization with Hepatitis B Vaccine, Risk Perception, and Challenges to Control Hepatitis among Hospital Workers in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital.

Background. Studies had reported high rate of hepatitis B infection among hospital workers with low participation in vaccination programmes, especially those whose work exposes them to the risk of HBV infection. The study assessed knowledge of hepatitis B virus infection, risk perception, vaccination history, and challenges to control hepatitis among health workers. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study. Consenting health care workers completed a self-administered questionnaire that assessed respondents' general knowledge of HBV, vaccination history and HBsAg status, risk perception, and challenges to control hepatitis. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results. Three hundred and eighty-two health care workers participated in the study. There were 182 males and 200 females. The respondents comprised 94 (25%) medical doctors, 168 (44%) nurses, 68 (18%) medical laboratory technologists, and 52 (14%) pharmacists. Over 33% had poor knowledge with 35% not immunized against HBV. Predictors of good knowledge include age less than 35 years, male sex, being a medical doctor, previous HBsAg test, and complete HBV immunisation. Identified challenges to control hepatitis include lack of hospital policy (91.6%), poor orientation of newly employed health workers (75.9%), and low risk perception (74.6%). Conclusion. Hospital policy issues and low risk perception of HBV transmission have grave implications for the control of HBV infection.

Predictors of mortality in children with typhoid ileal perforation in a Nigerian tertiary hospital.

PURPOSE: Childhood typhoid ileal perforation is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to ascertain the predictors of survival in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a tertiary hospital-based retrospective review of patients aged ≤15 years managed for typhoid ileal perforations between January 2005 and December 2013. The details of their biodata, potential risk factors and outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-five children out of a total of 97 with typhoid fever had typhoid ileal perforation. The age range was 2-15 years, mean (±SD) = 9.3 (±3.31) years, median = 10 years. There were more males than females (26:19). Thirty-nine (86.7%) patients were >5 years old. There were nine deaths (20% mortality). The mean (±SD) age of survivors was 9.8 (±2.9) years and 7.1 (±4.2) for non-survivors (p = 0.026). The duration of illness at presentation, gender, admission temperature, nutritional status and packed cell volume, perforation-operation interval, number of perforations, surgical procedure, and the duration of surgery did not statistically influence survival (p > 0.05). The age of the patients and burst abdomen attained statistical significance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The patients' age and postoperative burst abdomen were significant determinants of survival in children with typhoid ileal perforation.

Diagnostic proficiency and reporting of Lassa fever by physicians in Osun State of Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Lassa fever is highly contagious and commonly results in death. It is therefore necessary to diagnose and report any suspected case of Lassa fever to facilitate preventive strategies. This study assessed the preparedness of physicians in the diagnosis and reporting of Lassa fever. METHODS: The study design was descriptive cross-sectional. The consenting medical doctors completed a self-administered questionnaire on the diagnosis and reporting of Lassa fever. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analyses. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-five physicians participated in the study. The mean age was 41.5 ± 10.9 years (range, 24-75 years). Most of the physicians were male (78.9%) and had practiced medicine ≥ 20 years (51.5%). Most of the physicians had a good knowledge regarding the diagnosis and reporting of Lassa fever; however, none of the physicians had ever diagnosed or reported a suspected case. Predictors of good knowledge include male sex, not practicing at a secondary health care level and post graduation year more than 20 years. CONCLUSION: There is disparity in knowledge and practices of physicians regarding the diagnosis and reporting of Lassa fever. Thus, it is necessary to improve the knowledge and practices of physicians regarding the diagnosis and reporting of Lassa fever.

Quality of life in patients with visual impairment in Ibadan: a clinical study in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Visual function is important for optimal orientation in functional and social life, and has an effect on physical and emotional well-being. Visual impairment, therefore, leads to restrictions in all aspects of daily living and is related to quality of life. The aim of this study was to provide information on the causes of visual impairment in patients presenting to their family physician, the spectrum of impairment, and its impact on quality of life for these patients. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study of 375 adult patients with ocular symptoms was performed in the general outpatient department of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, from July to September, 2009. After checking their presenting visual acuity, the patients were interviewed using the Vision-Related Quality of Life questionnaire to determine the impact of visual impairment on their quality of life. Ophthalmic examinations were performed to determine the causes of visual impairment. The results were analyzed using proportions and percentages. RESULTS: The main causes of visual impairment were cataracts (58.7%), refractive error (19.4%), and glaucoma (2.9%). Visual impairment was found to be associated with advancing age, low education, and unemployment (P<0.001). Most patients (85.1%) were found to have good quality of life overall. Quality of life was found to be poor in the domains of visual function (64.2%) and social interaction (50.9%). Quality of life was found to be related to the degree of visual impairment, ie, blind patients reported poor quality of life (41.4%) when compared with those having low vision (8.6%) or near normal vision (2.4%, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study identified poor quality of life in patients with a higher degree of visual impairment. Family physicians need to identify these visually impaired patients early and make timely referrals.

Awareness and attitude to the law banning smoking in public places in Osun State, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: This study determined the awareness and attitude towards the Osun state prohibition of smoking in public places law. METHOD: Descriptive cross-sectional study design. 520 consenting respondents recruited using a convenience sampling method were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire covering their smoking pattern, awareness and attitude towards the law of prohibition of smoking in public places in Osun State. Data analyzed using descriptive and chi-square statistics. RESULTS: Only 38% were aware of the law while none had seen the document. Fifty six percent felt cigarette smoking is a problem that required the law to be implemented, while only 20% agreed that the law will stop tobacco use. The radio (58%), bill boards (45%) and newspapers (44%) were the major sources of awareness of the law. The perception of risk posed to the public and family health by cigarette smoking was poor among the participants. CONCLUSION: There is poor awareness and attitude to the law of prohibition of smoking in public places in Osun State. It is necessary to increase sensitization of the general public and enforcement of the law.

Use of insecticide treated net and malaria preventive education: effect on malaria parasitemia among people living with AIDS in Nigeria, a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Malaria and HIV are major causes of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa with both diseases highly endemic in Nigeria. This study was conducted to assess the effect of long lasting insecticide treated net (ITN) use and malaria preventive education on burden of malaria parasite among people living with AIDS (PLWHA) at Osogbo southwestern Nigeria. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study of newly recruited consenting PLWHA that were screened consecutively for malaria, those positive were treated with artemisinin combination therapy. All PLWHA were educated about malaria infection, given ITN and followed up monthly for three months when they were rescreened for malaria infection. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULT: A total of 392 (92%) PLWHA completed the study. Mean age of the respondents was 33 ± 11.6 years. They were 120 (31%) males and 272 (69%) females. Majority (80%) were married, over 33% completed secondary education while 21% had tertiary education. Most were traders (40%) and artisans (25%). About 60% had Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasitemia at baseline which drastically reduced to 5% at three months with ITN use and malaria prevention education. CONCLUSION: Malaria is a major preventable condition among PLWHA. Preventive education and ITN use reduced malaria parasite burden among this population.

Fertility intentions of people living with HIV/AIDS at Osogbo, Southwest Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the fertility intentions of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) attending a secondary care facility at Osogbo, Southwest Nigeria. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. Information on fertility intentions of PLWHA was gathered by means of an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: A total of 366 PLWHA with a mean age of 37.4 ± 9.5 years were interviewed: 286 (78%) women and 80 (22%) men. A majority of respondents had secondary (38%) or higher (29%) education. Most respondents were married (65%), artisans (78%), and of Yoruba descent (89%). Twenty-seven percent of women and 17% of men intended to have more than two children in the nearest future; 28% of women and 15% of men reported that their partners had similar future fertility intention. Most (73%) respondents intending to have children desired male children. In the logistic regression model, the significant predictors of fertility intention were a younger age, being married, having no child presently, and having higher education (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Most PLWHA and their spouses intended to have more children. It is necessary to put in place strategies to provide reproductive and family planning services to PLWHA.

Willingness to receive pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine among doctors and nurses in public health facilities in Ibadan, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: As part of global efforts to contain the spread of the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1), the Federal Ministry of Health of Nigeria is embarking on the vaccination of health care workers employed in health facilities nationwide. This study was designed to assess the willingness of doctors and nurses working in public health facilities in Ibadan, Nigeria to receive the influenza A (H1N1) vaccine. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. Stratified simple random sampling was used to select a total of 304 doctors and nurses who worked at the public primary (70), secondary (51) and tertiary (183) levels of health care facilities in Ibadan. A self-administered, structured questionnaire that contained items on socio-demographics, sources of information, knowledge about the infection and the vaccine, risk perception, willingness to receive the vaccine and suggestions to improve vaccination acceptance by health-care workers was used to collect the data. MAIN FINDINGS: A total of 255 providers responded for an overall response rate of 84%. The mean age of the respondents was 35.0 ± 9.7 years. A high proportion (88.2%) of the participants, including 94.9% of the doctors and 87.0% of the nurses, reported a willingness to receive the vaccine. Perceptions regarding the risk of contracting influenza, the availability of effective vaccinations for prevention and beliefs that the disease is fatal were reasons given by respondents who reported willingness to receive the vaccination. Those participants who reported ever hearing about the pandemic (AOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.2) and those who had a high-risk perception of contracting the disease (AOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.7) were likely to receive the vaccine. CONCLUSION: Doctors and nurses at the three levels of health care facilities in Ibadan were willing to receive the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine. Efforts should be made to deliver the vaccines via adequate planning.

Reducing waiting time at a Nigerian HIV treatment clinic: opinions from and the satisfaction of people living with HIV/AIDS.

We assessed the waiting time and perceived satisfaction with care among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) at an antiretroviral clinic in Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was administered during interviews. Four hundred patients completed the questionnaire. The mean age of the respondents was 36.4 years (SD 9.7 years), and 61% of them were females. A majority, 72.9%, reported that the time elapsed between entry into the clinic and access to medical care services (waiting time) was more than an hour. However, a majority (77%) expressed satisfaction with the medical care they received. Although the majority of PLHIV were satisfied with their medical care, more needs to be done to reduce patient waiting time before access to medical services.

Knowledge and attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS and antiretroviral therapy among patients at a Nigerian treatment clinic.

INTRODUCTION: We assessed the knowledge of and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS and antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). METHODOLOGY: A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was employed. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was administered to consecutive, consenting PLWHA who had been receiving treatment for a minimum of three months. The level of ART adherence was calculated manually for each respondent. RESULTS: In total 318 PLWHA completed the questionnaire. The mean and median time on ART was 17.8 months and 19 months respectively. The mean age of the respondents was 39.1±9.6 years. The majority of these respondents (76.9%) had completed secondary education. Over 80% of the respondents reported knowing that HIV can be transmitted through blood transfusions and unprotected sexual intercourse. Seventy-six per cent of the respondents reported knowing that ART suppresses HIV activity. However, 33% of the respondents denied being HIV positive, while 22.6% reported that they felt that taking ART was shameful. Over 32% of the respondents reported that good adherence to ART would raise suspicions about their HIV status, and 66.7% had not yet disclosed their HIV status to anyone. Most (77.7%) respondents had good knowledge of HIV/AIDS while 75.2% had good knowledge of ART. Also 78.9% had positive attitude to HIV/AIDS while 73.9%) had positive attitude to ART. Respondents with good knowledge about HIV/AIDS and a positive attitude about the disease tended to be more adherent to ART (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of respondents had good knowledge of and a positive attitude toward HIV/AIDS and ART adherence.