Analysis of HIV and AIDS Prevalence and Its Social Correlates in Rivers State

HIV and AIDS prevalence in South South Nigeria is among the highest nationally, and analysing its social correlates in Rivers State provides locally grounded evidence for targeted prevention and treatment programming. This study analysed HIV and AIDS prevalence patterns and associated sociodemographic correlates using 2021 and 2022 HIV sentinel surveillance data and a community survey of 350 adults in Port Harcourt, Obio-Akpor, and Ikwerre Local Government Areas, Rivers State. Data collected covered HIV status (self-reported or documented), age, sex, marital status, educational attainment, number of sexual partners, and HIV testing history. Descriptive statistics and chi-square association tests were applied. The estimated community HIV prevalence was 4.8 percent. Females showed higher prevalence (5.9 percent) than males (3.4 percent). Adults aged 25 to 34 had the highest age-specific prevalence at 7.2 percent. HIV testing in the preceding year was reported by only 34.3 percent. Multiple sexual partners in the preceding 12 months were reported by 22.1 percent. Consistent condom use among sexually active respondents was only 28.6 percent. Social stigma as a barrier to testing and treatment was cited by 57.4 percent. Recommendations include expanding HIV testing campaigns targeting young adults, community-based HIV stigma reduction programmes, free condom distribution in high-prevalence communities, and integration of HIV prevention messaging into health facility antenatal and family planning services in Rivers State.

Keywords: HIV prevalence, Rivers State, HIV testing, social correlates, stigma