Recent Sexual Activity, HIV/AIDS Risk and Contraceptive Use in Nigeria: Insights from Plateau State

Uguru Ibor, Federal University Lokoja, Nigeria
Clement Dongurum, 1Unversity of Jos, Nigeria

This study explored recent sexual activity and risk of HIV transmission between 2003 and 2018 in Plateau State, Nigeria. Mixed methods approach was deployed in obtaining and analyzing the National Demographic and Health Survey datasets using chi-square test and regression analysis. The results showed that female dominated the study (>68.3%) and over half (51.0%-76.5%) were aged group 25 years and above. Over three in five of the study participants were married (> 60.3%), with the majority resident in a rural setting (>60.2%). High-risky sexual behaviour was 2.5 times higher in male than females (AOR=2.5; 95% CI =1.70-5.78; p=0.000). Those aged 25 years and above were over 5 times at risk of engaging in recent sexual activity associated with HIV than those aged 15-24 years old (AOR=5.46; 95% CI =2.39-7.55; p=0.000). Factors related to gender inequality in sexual relationship and low knowledge of HIV were the root causes of risky behaviour.