The Economic, Psychosocial Burden and State Ownership of HIV/AIDS Programme in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Nasarawa State has a high HIV prevalence rate of 7.5%. This may adversely affect the socioeconomic and psychological wellbeing of people living with HIV. Objectives: This study sought to examine the economic and psychosocial burden of HIV on infected people and assess the preparedness of the State government towards HIV/AIDS ownership and sustainability. Method: The study design is descriptive cross-sectional survey involving 312 respondents' randomly selected from 6 hospitals following a two stage stratified sampling across the State. Results: Respondents' with the lowest discretional income 41 (44.6%) p-values 0.006 and those with the lowest educational status 24 (55.8%) p-values 0.032 were significantly associated with higher CD counts (≥ 4 3 350cells/mm ). Statistical association exists between stigmatizing attitudes and ART adherence; respondents' who rejected stigmatizing attitudes, stereotypes and negative perceptions ascribed to them by the society recorded significant difference in adherence to medication 92 (98.9%), p-value 0.000; 57 (100%) p-value 0.016; 91 (96.8%) p-value 0.009; and 80 (97.6%) with p-value 0.024. Laboratory parameters indicated that packed cell volume, haemoglobin and CD values before HAART and pre-data collection were below normal values. A Chi- 4 square test indicated significant difference between the State owned drug revolving fund and the assisted 2 2 (donor-funded) ART scheme; X² = 152.66, Critical X² = 11.07. Conclusion: Respondents' with strong coping mechanism rejected the stigmatizing attributes ascribed to them thereby achieving the recommended level of adherence; poor socio-economic groups recorded better treatment outcomes. This study revealed that the State has not shown significant commitment toward the sustainable provision of HIV/AIDS scheme.