Healthcare-Seeking Behaviour Among People Living with HIV in Borno State, North East Nigeria

The HIV epidemic in North East Nigeria is exacerbated by ongoing armed conflict, displacement, and stigmatisation, which profoundly affect the healthcare-seeking behaviour of people living with HIV. This study examines the patterns and determinants of healthcare-seeking behaviour among people living with HIV attending antiretroviral therapy clinics in Borno State. A cross-sectional survey design is applied, with 275 participants recruited from three ART facilities in Maiduguri through systematic random sampling. Structured questionnaires capture data on treatment adherence, health facility preference, perceived stigma, healthcare worker attitudes, and financial barriers. Qualitative insights are gathered through six focused group discussions. Quantitative data are analysed with SPSS using frequencies, means, and logistic regression, while qualitative data undergo thematic coding. Recent UNAIDS and Nigerian National Agency for the Control of AIDS reports indicate that displacement and humanitarian crises in North East Nigeria have disrupted antiretroviral supply chains and created fear-based barriers to clinic attendance. The Anderson Behavioural Model of Health Services Use provides the conceptual framework, distinguishing predisposing, enabling, and need factors. Findings will contribute to designing conflict-sensitive HIV service delivery models and community support systems that sustain treatment engagement. The study supports Nigeria's commitment to achieving the 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets. Keywords: healthcare-seeking behaviour, HIV, antiretroviral therapy, Borno State, North East Nigeria.