Abstract
Background:HIV counselling and testing (HCT) provides an opportunity for people to learn more about the human immune deficiency virus (HIV). This study assessed the knowledge of, and factors associated with, HIV infections among clients assessing HCT services referral hospital in Lagos, Nigeria.Materials and Methods:Retrospective review of records of clients who assessed HCT services at Mainland Hospital Lagos, Nigeria, between July 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017, was done. Multivariate analysis was done to identify the factors associated with HIV infection and knowledge of HIV.Results:A total of 4273 clients were screened for HIV within the study period. The mean age of clients was 38.5±14.4. Male: Female ratio was 1:0.87. The prevalence of HIV infection was 19%. Factors associated with HIV infection were: age above 24 years, being female (AOR 1.6 95% CI 1.4–2.0, p<0.001), previous marriage (divorced, widowed, separated) (AOR 2.3 95% CI 1.7– 3.3, p<0.001) and poor knowledge of HIV (AOR 2.9 95% CI 2.2–3.6, p<0.001). Males were 15 times more likely to have good knowledge of HIV than females (AOR 14.5 95% CI 10.5– 20.0, p<0.001). In addition, the clients who were single (AOR 3.6 95% CI 2.4–5.4, p<0.001) and married (AOR 3.9 95% CI 2.9–5.3, p<0.001) were four times more likely to have good knowledge of HIV than clients who were previously married.Conclusion:More proactive measures are required to educate the public, especially women who were previously married, on HIV transmission and prevention.
Highlights
human immune deficiency virus (HIV) Counselling and Testing (HCT) is the first step to HIV management and other support services
HCT was integrated into the services offered at Mainland hospital and as such, it was offered to all patients assessing services at the hospital by trained counsellors according to the National guidelines for HIV counselling and testing (FMOH, 2011)
HIV prevalence was higher among clients who were not previously tested (22.5%) and they had 2-fold chance of being HIV positive, compared to clients who had HIV test previously (18.3%) (AOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.7–2.6, p
Summary
HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) is the first step to HIV management and other support services. It allows clients the opportunity to know their HIV status and get to know more about the human immune deficiency virus (HIV). It enhances and provides the needed change in behaviour, psychological and emotional support to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). HIV counselling and testing (HCT) provides an opportunity for people to learn more about the human immune deficiency virus (HIV). This study assessed the knowledge of, and factors associated with, HIV infections among clients assessing HCT services referral hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. Factors associated with HIV infection were: age above 24 years, being female (AOR 1.6 95% CI 1.4–2.0, p
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
