Prevalence and Factors Associated with HIV/AIDS Stigma and Discrimination among Uniformed Service Personnel: Findings from the Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Survey (IBBSS) in Nigeria. Y. Abdu-Misau 1, B. Aiyenigba 1, I. Kawu 2, A. Azeez 2, T. Badru 1, K. Torpey 1, C Hamelmann 1, O. Chabikuli 1 1. FHI 360, Nigeria 2. Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria

Background Burden of HIV in Nigeria – 2.9 million people Uniformed service men in Nigeria like in many sub- Saharan countries are among the most at risk for HIV infection – high occupational mobility and the – relatively high probability of risky sexual encounters. HIV discrimination and stigmatization have been studied and documented in Nigeria among; – Some occupational groups including health workers – General population in specific states

Background 2 Dangers of HIV discrimination – Opportunities for spread of the epidemic – Undermines voluntary CT, care and support – Worsens impact of HIV infection Understanding these beliefs and behaviours can play an important role in the design and uptake of HIV prevention programs among these groups. This paper describes the prevalence and factors associated with HIV stigma among the police and military men in Nigeria.

Method 2007 HIV/STI Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Survey data used. 4,076 military men and members of the police force (males and females), ages 18 to 49 years, were interviewed – cluster-sampling technique – urban cities – six states. Standard questionnaires administered during face- to-face interviews.

Method (2) HIV stigma was measured according to the men’s opinions about three situations: – belief that an HIV-positive child should not attend school; – belief that an HIV-positive co-worker should not be allowed to work; and – unwillingness to care for an HIV-positive relative.

Method (3) A logistic regression was used to identify the correlates of HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination. The analysis was conducted with the aid of STATA 10.0 statistical software. The adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and the 95% confidence intervals are reported.

Results

Results (2) Factors significantly associated with HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination included: – education [primary (AOR = 1.96; CI = 1.35–2.84); secondary (AOR = 1.6; CI = 1.34–1.97), referent: tertiary]; – inaccurate knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission (AOR = 1.85; CI = 1.57–2.18); – low HIV self-risk perception (AOR = 1.48; CI = 1.21– 1.80); – not knowing a PLHIV (AOR = 1.34; CI = 1.11–1.63); and – never tested for HIV (AOR = 1.20; CI = 1.02–1.42).

Conclusion HIV prevention programs that target the uniformed services in Nigeria should focus on educating the personnel Peer-education approaches should be considered in the delivery of HIV education. Further qualitative studies are also recommended.

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