HIV PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONGST PRISON INMATES IN KUJE FEDERAL PRISON, FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA, NIGERIA,

HIV PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONGST PRISON INMATES IN KUJE FEDERAL PRISON, FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA, NIGERIA,

Abstract:

In prisons, prevalence of HIV infection, overcrowding and poor prison conditions and diseases are of public-health importance. This study was conducted to determine HIV Prevalence and associated risk factors amongst prison inmates in Kuje Federal Prison, a male only prison located in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Cross sectional study design and sample size of 154 were used. Data was collected by quantitative and qualitative methods. Variables on knowledge, attitude and practice were assessed using questionnaire, and HIV testing was also done. Knowledge, attitude and practice were scored and graded. Confidentiality and voluntary participation of respondents were ensured. Quantitative data was analysed using Epi-info version 3.5.3 and Microsoft Excel for univariate, bivariate and multi variate analysis, and thematic analysis done for qualitative data. Mean age of respondents was 31.9 + 7.8 years. 39.6% respondents were currently married. Median age at first marriage was 26 years (range 16-39) years. Overall HIV prevalence was 4.0% (1.5-8.6%, 95% CI) with convicts having 3.3% (0.1-17.2%, 95% CI) and awaiting trial inmates having 4.2% (1.4-9.5%, 95% CI). Only 16 (10.4%) knew all the five ways of HIV transmission. Mean score of HIV knowledge was 42%; 90 (58.4%) had poor knowledge and 3 (1.9%) had good knowledge. Attitude mean score on HIV was 84%; 120 (77.9%) respondents had positive attitude. 105 (68.1%) had ever been tested for HIV while 94 (61.0 %) knew HIV status. Consistent condom use 6 months before incarceration was 15.6%. Based on quantitative method, there was no (0%) heterosexual or homosexual practices in prison; however, the qualitative study found that same sex relationship exists. Fourteen respondents (9.1% [5.1-14.9%, 95%CI] ) had tattoo, and six (4.0%) had body piercing. Mean score for HIV related good practice was 61% with 17 (11.0%) graded as having bad practice, 137 (89.0%) had fair practice and 0 (0.0%) had good practice. Being younger than 25 years (OR: 1.28, P-value: 0.59), stay in prison less than 3 years (OR: 2.37, P-value: 0.38), multiple sexual partnership (OR: 4.64, P-value: 0.17), ever had STI (OR: 3.13, P-value: 0.17), tattoo (OR: 6.0, P-value: 0.09) and body piercing (OR: 5.4, P-value: 0.20) were associated with HIV status but not statistically significant, while ever attended school (OR: 0.31, P-value: 0.32), knowledge of HIV sexual transmission (OR: 0.39, P-value: 0.38), ever heard of condom (OR: 0.14, P-value: 0.18), ever used condom (OR: 0.23, P-value: 0.14), consistent condom use (OR: 0.51, P-value: 0.5), seems to be protective but not statistically significant at P<0.05. On Logistics regression, never heard of male condom (AOR 33.1, P-value-0.016) and previous history of STI (AOR 18.4, P-value 0.05) were significant risk factors. HIV prevalence in group is above 1% reference for low level epidemics. The correct and complete knowledge and good practice on HIV were generally poor which shows that more work and strategies need to be deployed to improve these. Steps should be taken to promptly treat sexually transmitted infections and make condoms accessible to all. Functional HIV counseling and testing services should be introduced with a well-designed HIV information, education and communication packages. More studies are also recommended. Key words: HIV, Prevalence, Tattoo, Prison, Abuja

HIV PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONGST PRISON INMATES IN KUJE FEDERAL PRISON, FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA, NIGERIA,