Self-perceived and unmet general health need among PLWHA in Nigeria.
OBJECTIVE
This study set out to determine the self-reported unmet health needs of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in a Nigerian population.


METHODS
A prospective study conducted among consecutive 209 consenting PLWHA in the South-western Nigeria; who sought for care in the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals complex, Ile-Ife and General Hospital, Ilesa were recruited. Participants completed a comprehensive survey seeking information to determine their unmet needs in the following areas: Medication, Dental, Mental, Home care, Hospital admission, access to antiretroviral therapy and emergency services.


RESULTS
One or more unmet needs were reported by 79.4% of the sample. Needs for medication, home-based care and mental care were more likely to be unmet. There was a statistically significant relationship between unmet needs and living arrangements (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Perceived oral health status was the factor that best predicted the unmet need. Perceived oral health status of these patients should be improved to reduce the level of the unmet needs.
Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220005, Nigeria. adedigba@oauife.edu.ng
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Adedigba
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Ogunbodede
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Jeboda
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Naidoo
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012647:Self-Assessment; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult