Predictors of HIV/AIDS status determination among women of child bearing age in North Central Nigeria

Idowu Peter Omoniyi, University of Ibadan
Ayo S. Adebowale, University of Ibadan
Bunmi Atte, University of Ibadan

Little studies is known on why people go or do not go to know their HIV/AIDS status in North-central Nigeria. Hence, the study investigate the predictors for HIV status test determination in north central Nigeria The study was cross-sectional in design and utilized data originally collected by National human immune deficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and Reproductive Health Survey (NARHS) in Nigeria. Data of 942 women from north central was extracted and analysed. Analysis was performed using Chi-square, and logistic regression (Alpha = 5%). The mean age was 27.87 ± 9.41 (years). More than half (83.4%) of the women had not gone for HIV test. Age group, educational status, place of residence, current male condom user, and antenatal care attendance were major predictors of HIV status determination. Women who were between 15 – 19 years were less likely to determine their HIV status (OR = 0.21: 95% CI= 0.07 – 0.67).Antenatal care clinic attendee were more likely to know their HIV status (OR= 9.12; 95% CI =4.084 – 20.38). Urban women who reside in these states were more likely to have their HIV status determined than the women who live in the rural areas (OR =2.556; 95% CI =1.763 – 3.705). Women who were currently using male condom with their partners were more likely to have their HIV status determined than their contemporaries who were not using (OR =2.02; 95% CI = 1.90– 4.47). Majority of the women had not gone for HIV test and therefore do not know their HIV status. Counselling, testing units and antenatal care facilities should be strengthened to encourage women to go for testing.