Spectrum of Substance Use, Reasons for Use and Perceived Effects on Treatment among People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLWHIV) in Benue State, Nigeria; A Qualitative Study

INTRODUCTION: Substance use is on increase and a major public health problem contributing about 1.7 million deaths among teenagers globally. Ironically, some are socially acceptable and freely consumed during social activities. They are consumed commonly for social, religious and medicinal reasons. This study aims to assess substance use, types, reasons and its perceived effects among PLHIV in Benue State, Nigeria METHODS: The study was at Centre for Infectious Diseases Control (CIDC), 161 Nigerian Air Force Hospital, Makurdi at Benue state, Nigeria. Qualitative data was collected using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) among five homogeneous groups involving 40 discussants [30 and 10 health care workers]. The recorded discussions were transcribed verbatim, coded based on predetermined themes and reported. RESULTS: The commonest psychoactive substance used by People living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLWHIV) for both males and females was Alcohol followed by Kola nut and Bitter Cola. Others were; cannabis, overdose dose of Rohypnol, Tramadol and diazepam; paracitamol mixed with ‘la-cassera’ soft drink and codeine in cough syrup as well as Marijuana. Major reasons for use included to increase work, sexual performance, reading time and appetite; reduce nausea, vomiting and to manage stress or boredom. They perceived most substance to be safe though few expressed their concern on the possible interaction with Antiretroviral (ARV) medications and possibility of increasing Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) effect of some drugs. This they said depends on type and dose of consumption. CONCLUSION: Substance use among PLWHIV is common. Misconceptions and poor appreciation of effect of these substance use among these clients abound. Every effort should be made to tame this menace.