Mandatory pre-marital HIV testing in Nigeria: the public health and social implications.
The prevalence of HIV infection among individuals referred from faith-based organizations (FBOs) in south-eastern Nigeria for mandatory pre-marital HIV screening was determined. Of the total of 319 individuals (148 males, 171 females) screened, 25 (7.8%, 95%CI: 4.9-10.7%) were confirmed HIV-positive, comprising 13 (8.8%, 95%CI: 4.2-13.4%) males and 12 (7%, 95%CI: 3.2-10.8%) females. No significant difference was observed in the association between HIV infection and gender (chi2=0.58, df = 1, P < 0.05). The highest prevalence of HIV infection (8.9%) was recorded among individuals in the 21-30 years age category, while the least HIV infection prevalence (5.3%) was observed among persons above 40 years old. There was no significant difference in the association between HIV infection and age (chi2=0.68, df = 3, P < 0.05). Mandatory pre-marital HIV screening could generate social stigmatization and infringement of the fundamental human rights of infected individuals. Voluntary counselling and confidential HIV testing and especially pre- and post-test counselling as the basis of pre-marital HIV testing are more desirable. Guidelines for the management of test-positive individuals and non-concordant couples and the safeguarding of confidentiality should be developed. Training and capacity building for religious leaders, to appropriately manage social issues associated with HIV/AIDS as it affects their organizations, are recommended.
Uneke
C J
CJ
Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria. unekecj@yahoo.com
Alo
M
M
Ogbu
O
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018580:Mandatory Testing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D011291:Premarital Examinations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D017678:Sex Distribution