Social, Psychological and Health Concerns Among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to identify the concerns and the influence of demographic factors on the social, psychological and health concerns of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in a Nigerian population. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 141 consenting PLWHA in the Ife-Ijesa zone, Osun State, Nigeria. A 22-item questionnaire elicited information on PLWHA's concerns about social, psychological and health issues. Results: The main social concern was that of 'Feeling very lonely', whereas the major psychological concern was that of 'Lack of interest in things'. The most common health concern reported was 'Gradually getting thinner', whereas 'No cure for AIDS' was the least. 'Getting tired easily' was also a highly rated concern. Males had statistically significant fewer social concerns than females. Unemployed PLWHA had fewer social, health and psychological concerns when compared with the employed. There was a statistically significant relationship between age and health concerns (P 0.05). Conclusions: PLWHA in the present study reported that they were concerned about social, psychological and health issues, despite the fact that they were attending support group meetings. Efforts on care should not only focus on health and medical issues but also on social and psychological issues. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, social, psychological and health factors