Prevalence and uptake of HIV services among men who have sex with men in Northern Nigeria.

Abstract

HIV/AIDS has posed continuous public health challenges for decades, impacting both physical health and socioeconomic development in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among key populations like men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aims to determine the key factors associated with the prevalence and willingness to take HIV services among MSM in a Northern Nigeria state.

Methodology: The study used a cross-sectional survey of MSM in three local government areas in Kano state. HIV prevalence was measured with self-test kits, and willingness to use services was assessed via a 17-item questionnaire. Snowball sampling was used, with data collected by trained assistants and community leaders. Data were analysed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression in IBM SPSS V.28.0.

Results: HIV prevalence was 12.3%; MSM in Fagge (adjusted OR (AOR) 4.173; 95% CI 1.193 to 14.595, p=0.025), those not abusing drugs (AOR 5.969; 95% CI 2.412 to 14.770, p<0.001) and those engaging in vaginal sex in the last 3 months (AOR 4.140; 95% CI (1.402 to 12.224), p=0.010) had higher odds to contract HIV. The major reason for taking HIV tests was to know their status (84.0%), while the major obstacle stopping them from assessing HIV services was stigmatisation by providers (25.1%). Similarly, willingness to uptake HIV services was 47.4%; MSM in Tarauni (AOR 92.453, 95% CI 30.541 to 279.876, p<0.001), those who inject drugs (AOR 3.592, 95% CI 1.207 to 10.695, p=0.030), engage in anal sex (AOR 0.075, 95% CI 0.051 to 0.302, p<0.001) and use condoms regularly (AOR 2.731, 95% CI 1.279 to 5.829, p=0.009) had higher odds of accessing HIV services.

Conclusion: This study emphasises the critical need to address barriers and improve HIV prevention and treatment services for MSM in northern states of Nigeria.