Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Patients Diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Nasarawa Eggon

J.G. Laah ； E. Ayiwulu

《Asian Journal of Medical Sciences》 2卷3期 (2010/06) Pp. 114-120

並列摘要

The aim of this study is to analyze the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of persons diagnosed with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Data for this paper covering the period 1998 to 2006 were obtained from the records of the Nasarawa Eggon General Hospital. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical computer package. A total of 340 people were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS during the period understudy. The results revealed that 59.4% of the HIV/AIDS positive persons were within the age group 20-34 years (Mean age=29.9; SD=10.3). The chi-square (x^2) test revealed that prevalence of HIV/AIDS varied significantly by age (x^2=494.73, df=48, p=0.001). Prevalence rate by sex revealed that more females (51.5%) than males (48.5%) were infected and that majority were married (60.3%). A Box and Whiskers plot revealed that the age distribution of the females appeared uniform than that of the males. The analysis of the data by religion revealed that Muslims and Christians constituted 53.6% and 43.2% of those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS respectively. Farmers (16.8%) were the most infected among males while for females; housewives were the most infected with 23.2%. Given the relatively high prevalence of HIV/AIDS among those in married union, the paper suggested the need to refocus the strategies of curbing with the prevalence rates among those in marital union.

並列關鍵字

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome ； diagnosed ； epidemics ； prevalence rate ； human immunodeficiency virus ； prevalence rate