Demographic Characteristics and Sexual Behaviours of ART Clinic Attendees in a Secondary Health Facility in Southern Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Heterosexual transmission via unprotected sexual intercourse with a partner who is HIV positive still remain the primary mode of acquiring HIV in Nigeria as in other sub-Saharan countries. The objective of this study is to assess the demographic characteristics and sexual behaviours among HIV-positive ART clinic attendees in a secondary health facility in southern Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted on HIV-positive men and women who were attending ART clinic at the General Hospital, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria from June to August, 2009. A structured and pre-tested questionnaire was the tool for data collection. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 16 statistical software. Results: A total of 406 respondents with a mean age of 37.4 ± 9.5 years were interviewed. They were comprised of 301 (74.1%) females and 105 (25.9%) males. Majority (40.6%) were in the age group 25 – 34 years. A higher proportion (56.4%) had secondary education while only 10 (2.5%) had no formal education. One hundred and eighty-five (45.6%) were married, 91 (22.4%) widowed, 67 (16.5%) single, 27 (6.7%) separated, 18 (4.4%) divorced and 18 (4.4%) cohabiting. Their major occupations were artisans 97 (23.9%), civil servants 85 (20.9%), farmers 39 (9.6%) and students 36 (8.9%). Most (88.4%) attendees were on HAART. Two hundred and forty-five (60.3%) were sexually active six months prior to the study. Among these, 185 (75.0%) had one partner while 60 (25.0%) had more than one partner. The use of condom always was practiced by only 50 (20.4%), 45 (18.4%) used condom sometimes while 150 (61.2%) do not use condom. Sex, marital status, and level of education were associated with the use of condom.

Conclusion: Risky sexual behaviours were high among the ART clinic attendees. Efforts should be made to continuously educate attendees on the implications of risky sexual behaviours.