Akwa Ibom AIDS indicator survey: Key findings and lessons learnt
Loading...
Date
2020
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
PLoS ONE
Abstract
Background
The burden of HIV/AIDS epidemic is huge, but this varies widely by population in Nigeria.
Data that could be used to guide the scale up of HIV prevention and control strategies has
significant gaps. The study sought to estimate the prevalence of HIV and its associated
determinants in Akwa Ibom state.
Methods
Akwa Ibom AIDS Indicator Survey (AKAIS) is a population based cross-sectional survey,
with a two-stage probability sampling. The survey had both behavioural and biological com ponents. Tablet-based questionnaire was used to collect data on participant’s household
information, demographics, socio-economic, and behavioral risk factors associated with
HIV; while the biological component involved collection of venous blood samples for partici pants who were over 19months. For children aged 18months on less, capillary blood from
finger prick sample was used. Participants were tested for HIV. Other biomarker tests for
HIV positive participants included CD4, HIV-1 RNA viral load and incidence assays.
Results
In all 15,609 people (8,963 adults aged 15 years and older (55% females), 6,646 individuals
less than 15 years (51% males), from 4,313 households, participated in AKAIS. Overall,
2.8% (423 persons; 422 HIV-1 and 1 HIV-2) were found to be HIV positive. HIV prevalence
was 4.8% in adults (15 years and above) and 0.4% in pediatric (< = 14 years) participants.
HIV prevalence was significantly higher in females (5.6%) than males (3.7%) aged 15 years
and older (p <0.001). Overall HIV incidence was 0.41%
Conclusions
HIV prevalence among adults was 4.8% with an overall incidence of 0.41%. These esti mates are essential to inform strategic control and prevention of HIV epidemic in Akwa Ibom
state targeting the affected populations.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
HIV/AIDS, Nigeria, Akwa Ibom