Assessing the Impact of HIV/AIDS on Family Systems in Benue State, North Central Nigeria

HIV/AIDS continues to exert a destructive influence on family systems in Nigeria, particularly in states with high prevalence rates such as Benue in the North Central zone. This study assesses the impact of HIV/AIDS on family systems in selected communities in Benue State, including Makurdi, Otukpo, and Katsina-Ala local government areas. Adopting a descriptive survey design, 110 respondents including persons living with HIV, family members, and healthcare social workers are surveyed using structured questionnaires. Frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests are applied in analysis. The study finds that HIV/AIDS leads to disruption of family roles, loss of primary breadwinners, stigma-induced social isolation, and impoverishment of affected households. Children orphaned by AIDS are particularly vulnerable to school dropout and exploitation. Social work support in HIV/AIDS management includes psychosocial counselling, treatment adherence support, and community sensitisation to reduce stigma. However, social workers report inadequate training in biomedical aspects of HIV and lack of coordination with health teams. Recommendations include training social workers to work within HIV care multidisciplinary teams, strengthening community-based support groups for HIV-positive individuals and their families, and expanding coverage of psychosocial services to rural health facilities. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, family systems, social work, Benue State, psychosocial support