Perception of Risk of Contracting HIV From Spouses Among Married Women In A Peri-Urban Community Of South West Nigeria

Abstract

Perception of risk of contracting HIV from spouses was assessed among 390 married women selected from workplaces and households in Omi-Adio, a peri-urban Nigerian community. A pre-tested questionnaire containing a 14-point knowledge scale and focus group discussion guide were used to collect data. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square and ANOVA while the qualitative data analysis was by themes. Mean age of respondents was 30.2±2.9 years, 67.2% were in monogamous unions. Mean knowledge score was 7.3±2.9 and was significantly influenced by age and level of education (p<0.05). Unprotected sex was perceived as the major route of infection (96.9%), 95.0% believed that women could get HIV from their spouses and 10.0% of these perceived themselves to be at personal risk. Perceived risk factors for HIV infection from spouses included polygyny (77.2%) and infidelity (51.5%). Main preventive measures identified were mutual faithfulness (82.0%), use of condom (8.5%) and traditional methods (6.7%). FGD respondents proffered satisfying one’s spouse sexually so he doesn’t indulge in extra-marital affairs and providing one’s spouse with condoms as strategies for preventing HIV infection. Culturally sensitive health promotion programmes targeting couples aimed at increasing knowledge and uptake of effective preventive measures to reduce women’s vulnerability are advocated.