Health Education Impact on Stigma and Discrimination against People Living with Humman Immunodeficient Virus Infection among Adolescents in South Western Nigeria- A Community Based Experimental Study

Introduction: Young people in Nigeria constitute an important group due to their vulnerability and sexual inexperience and there are still relatively high levels of misconceptions and stigma. This study was therefore carried out to investigate effect of health education on stigma and discrimination of PLWHAs among adolescents in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Methodology: This was a quasi-experimental community-based study. The study was carried out in three (3) phases. A multistage random sampling technique was used in choosing the required samples for this study. Two Local Governments which was selected in the State formed the experimental and control groups. A semi-structured pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data analysis was done using SPSS statistical software version 19.

Results: A total of 215 participants were recruited into the study,31.2% were males, 52.6% were adolescents aged 10-14 years and 47.4% were aged 15-19 years, while 67.3% were Christians, both the control and experimental groups were similar[p=0.128]. Stigma scores at baseline were also correlated with knowledge scores. There was a weak negative but significant correlation between knowledge and stigma (r = -0.27, p<0.001). There was a significant reduction in stigma scores for both the intervention (t = 4.92, p <0.001) and control groups at 4 months post intervention (t = 4.33, p < 0.001). There was only a significant difference for family type, where the mean stigma scores were higher among respondents from polygamous homes and those with widowed parents compared to those from monogamous homes (F = 3.22, p = 0.008).

Conclusion: The study shows that adolescents from dysfunctional families such as polygamous homes and widowed parents had a significantly higher score. Establishment of Youth Friendly Clinics that would focus more on adolescents from dysfunctional homes is needed among adolescents in Nigeria and other low income population.