Drivers of Human Immunodeficiency Virus among Pregnant Women in Conflict and Non-conflict Zones of Nigeria

Abstract

Background and Objective:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major public health concern among pregnant women in Nigeria, with seven in every hundred women likely to have an HIV infection. Understanding factors associated with HIV infection among pregnant women is critical to improving prevention strategies, especially in conflict regions. This study investigates demographic, socio-economic, and behavioral determinants of HIV among pregnant women in Nigeria, with conflict exposure included as a key predictor in the analysis.

Methods:

This study is a cross-sectional design using data from the 2018 Nigeria HIV/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Indicator and Impact Survey, the largest population-based HIV survey globally, implemented between July and December 2018 across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. We analyzed weighted data from 3,879,192 pregnant women (both HIV-positive and negative), conducting bivariate and multivariate analyses to identify predictors of HIV infection among women aged 15–49 years while adjusting for potential confounders. Adjusted Odds Ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated using unconditional logistic regression models to determine significant predictors.

Results:

Our analysis revealed that women in conflict zones were younger, less educated, and more likely to be in polygynous marriages and the lowest wealth quintile compared to those in non-conflict zones. In a multivariable analysis, residence in a conflict zone was associated with nearly twofold adjusted odds of HIV positivity (AOR = 1.93; CI: 0.98–3.82; p = 0.057). Increasing maternal age (AOR = 1.06; CI: 1.02–1.10; p = 0.002) and middle to fourth wealth quintile status (AOR = 4.10 and 3.80, respectively; p < 0.05) were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of HIV infection. Recent non-marital sexual activity was also significantly associated with HIV positivity (AOR = 2.96; p = 0.037).

Conclusion and Global Health Implications:

The study identifies conflict exposure and socio-economic status as significant predictors of HIV infection among pregnant women in Nigeria. Our analysis reveals important demographic, socio-economic, and behavioral factors associated with HIV prevalence in this population. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive HIV prevention strategies that address the complex interplay of social determinants, particularly in vulnerable populations.