Socioeconomic and cultural factors driving Human Immunodeficiency Virus epidemic among female sex workers in Akwa-Ibom (South-south) and Benue (North-central) States of Nigeria

Abstract

This study was aimed at finding out the socioeconomic and cultural factors driving Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection (HIV) epidemics among Female Sex Workers (FSW) in South-south (Akwa-Ibom) and North-central (Benue) States where the infection prevalence is high in Nigeria. A standardized survey instrument was used in multistage cluster sampling approach in Benue and Akwa-Ibom States using sample size of 415 FSW. The study was done on the classified age brackets between 15 and 49 years with Akwa-Ibom having more participants at 20 to 24 years (32.8%) and Benue at 25 to 29 years (33%). Medical Laboratory Scientists equally carried out three (3) stage HIV testing Algorithm among the FSWs under the study. FSWs were subtyped into Brothel-based Female Sex Workers (BBFSW) and Non-Brothel based Female Sex Workers (NBBFSW). Human Immunodeficiency Virus prevalence in Nigeria from the study is 15.5% with Akwa-Ibom having 11.4% while Benue has 20.2% of their population among Female Sex Workers key population typology respectively. Significant differences exist between the two states in the various socioeconomic factors driving the epidemics among Female Sex Workers. For instance, knowledge of HIV status, knowledge of source of HIV Testing Services (HTS) or medication for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), referrals, knowledge of HIV indicators, their risk perception, knowledge and use of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), stigma and discrimination and age at sexual debut, stigmatization, knowledge, use of PEP and PrEP, inconsistent use of condom, less risk perception and use of alcohol are some of the key factors driving the increased prevalence of HIV among FSW in Akwa-Ibom and Benue States in Nigeria.