FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HIV INFECTION AMONG CLIENTS ACCESSING HIV COUNSELING AND TESTING SERVICES IN A SECONDARY REFERRAL HOSPITAL IN LAGOS, NIGERIA: Factors associated with HIV infection

Background: HIV counselling and testing (HCT) provides an opportunity for people to learn more about HIV. This study assessed the knowledge of and factors associated with of HIV infections among clients assessing HCT in a referral hospital in Lagos Nigeria. Methods: Retrospective review of records of clients who assessed HCT service at Mainland Hospital Lagos Nigeria between July 1 2016 and December 31 2017 was done. Adjusted odd ratios outcome variables were determined. Results: A total of 4273 clients were screened for HIV within the study period. The mean age of clients was 38.5±14.4. Male:Female ratio was 1:0.87. The prevalence of HIV infection was 19%. Factors associated with HIV infection were; age above 24 years, being female (AOR 1.6 95%CI 1.4 – 2.0, p <0.001), previous marriage (divorced, widowed, separated) (AOR 2.3 95% CI 1.7 – 3.3, p <0.001) and poor knowledge of HIV (AOR 2.9 95% CI 2.2 – 3.6, p <0.001). Males were about 15 times likely to have good knowledge of HIV than females (AOR 14.5 95% CI 10.5 – 20.0, p <0.001). In addition clients who were single (AOD 3.6 95% CI 2.4 – 5.4, p <0.001) and married (AOR 3.9 95%CI 2.9 – 5.3, p <0.001) were four times likely to have good knowledge of HIV than clients who were previously married. Conclusion: A more proactive measures are required to educate the public especially women who were previously married on the HIV transmission and prevention