HIV SEROPOSITIVE PREVALENCE IN TSE-KUCHA, AN AFFLUENT CEMENT PRODUCING RURAL COMMUNITY IN BENUE STATE NIGERIA: A HOTSPOT FOR TRANSMISSION.

Hembah-Hilekaan SK; Mbaave T Peter; Jirgba Bita

Volume : VIII, Issue : VII, July - 2019

HIV SEROPOSITIVE PREVALENCE IN TSE-KUCHA, AN AFFLUENT CEMENT PRODUCING RURAL COMMUNITY IN BENUE STATE NIGERIA: A HOTSPOT FOR TRANSMISSION.

Hembah Hilekaan Sk, Mbaave T Peter, Jirgba Bita

Abstract :

High HIV prevalence is associated with factors leading to increased high–risk sexual behavior. Social and economic inequalities fuel the disparities in prevalence rates between rural, semi–urban and urban areas. The relatively affluent nature and lifestyle of the inhabitants of the small rural community of Tse–Kucha near Gboko town, Benue State, with an observed increasing morbidity and mortality from HIV, necessitated this study aimed at evaluating the local prevalence in the community relative to the state and national average prevalence. This was a descriptive, hospital based retrospective study. Subjects were patients who underwent HIV screening at Benue Cement Hospital Tse–Kucha during the 5year period from 1999 to 2003. Records of these patients were retrieved and analysed for Biodata, HIV sero–staus, and indication for HIV screening. Results were calculated in percentages. A total of 5044 clients were screened during the study period out of which 1468 were HIV sero–positive, giving a prevalence of 29.1%, (yearly range of 18% to 35.6%). The majority of clients tested i.e 4576(90.7%) and those sero–positive i.e 1345(91.6%) were from Tse– Kucha and immediate surroundings. The age group of 16–40years was most affected accounting for 1285(62.2%) of sero–positives. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in this relatively affluent rural community was much higher than the state (10%) and national (5.8%) averages. Interventions in HIV/AIDS care should include search for and special attention to this and similar hotspots with high disparity, to curtail continuous and rapid transmission of the virus.