The Effect of Health Education on the Prevention and Control of Gender-Based Violence Among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a critical public health and human rights issue, ranking among the leading causes of death globally. It often begins with verbal abuse, leading to anxiety, despair, and, in severe cases, death. This issue affects individuals of all genders in Nigeria and worldwide and is frequently overlooked as a risk factor for depression and mortality among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV/AIDS). This study focused on participants from ART Clinics at various teaching hospitals in Nigeria, including the University of Port Harcourt, University of Uyo, Federal Medical Center Asaba, and Federal Medical Center Yenagoa.

Method

Using a quasi-experimental design from September 2023 to May 2024, the study enrolled 334 patients through a multistage sampling method. Data were collected via an interviewer- administered semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 22, with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05. Inclusion criteria targeted PLHIV/AIDS aged 18 and older receiving treatment, while those who were physically or psychologically unwell were excluded.

Results

Among the 334 participants, 131 (39.2%) were male and 203 (60.8%) were female. The study found that 38.7% experienced GBV, with economic violence at 25.2% and sexual violence at 31.7%.

Conclusion

The prevalence of GBV is notably high among PLHIV/AIDS attending ART clinics in South- South Nigeria. Factors such as educational attainment, income level, marital status, poverty,

depression, and inadequate health information contribute to this violence. Implementing health education interventions at the point of ART enrollment and focusing on the economic empowerment of PLHIV/AIDS is essential for improving their well-being.

Keywords:

Gender-based violence (GBV), Economic violence, Sexual violence, PLHIV/AIDS (People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), ART (Antiretroviral Therapy)

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