Gender Differential in Media Access and Perceived HIV-Related Stigma in Nigeria

Ayo Adebowale, University of Ibadan
Martin Palamuleni, North West University

We examined the gender differential in the relationship between media access and perceived HIV-related stigma (PHS) in Nigeria. This cross-sectional design study used national survey data. PHS was measured using five variables, with each coded as 0 or 1. A score of 3-5 points was classified as high PHS, 1-2 as low, and 0 as none. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and Generalized linear model (Alpha=0.05). Approximately 18.0% of males and 24.9% of females reported that they will not stigmatize against the PLHA. The mean PHS score was significantly higher among individuals with none and poor media access compared with those who have good access and it was higher among males than females. This pattern persisted when other variables were included in the multivariate model. PHS was high in Nigeria but varies by gender. Media accessibility and sex-specific strategies are likely to facilitate the reduction of PHS in Nigeria.