article · International STD Research & Reviews
An epidemiological survey evaluated the prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus antibodies among 500 newly admitted students at Benue State University in Makurdi, Nigeria. Blood samples and structured questionnaires were collected from 295 male and 205 female participants, using a stepwise diagnostic protocol involving standard rapid test kits. The findings identified an overall HIV seroprevalence of 6.4 per cent, representing 32 positive cases. Higher numbers of positive results were recorded among females, students aged between 21 and 25 years, and married participants. Although demographic factors including age, sex, marital status, and occupation did not demonstrate statistically significant differences, behavioural factors showed significant links to seropositivity. Specifically, having multiple sexual partners, engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse, and having a history of sexually transmitted diseases were significantly associated with infection. The investigation highlights the necessity of providing free campus-based screening and counselling services.
Understanding HIV prevalence among incoming university cohorts provides critical baseline health data for higher education administrators and public health planners. Identifying key risk factors such as unprotected sexual contact allows targeted preventive interventions, awareness campaigns, and testing services to be established, helping to protect young adult populations as they enter higher education environments.
The abstract does not indicate an application pathway for commercial product development. It provides epidemiological prevalence data that public health authorities and university health administrators can use to inform healthcare policies. Any practical application relies on the operational adoption of existing commercial diagnostic test kits and the routine delivery of counselling services within higher education healthcare facilities.
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Background and Aim: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body's natural defence system. Without a strong immune system, the body finds it difficult to activate its defence mechanism. The last stage of HIV infection is Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Epidemiological Survey of HIV, the causative agent of AIDS, was investigated among newly admitted students of Benue State University, Makurdi. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of HIV antibodies among newly admitted students of the University. Methodology: A total of 500 freshly admitted Students to Benue State University were screened using structurally designed questionnaires and blood samples. Out of the 500 Students screened, 295(59%) were male and 205(41%) were female. Alere DetermineTM HIV-1/2 Test cards, HIV -1/2 Stat- Pak® Assay and Trinity Biotech UnigoldTM were used in a stepwise order for the detection of HIV antibodies in the blood samples of these fresh students. Results and Discussion: The overall prevalence rate of HIV was 32 (6.4%). The age group 21-25 years had the highest prevalence of HIV 19 (3.8%) compared to other age groups. Human Immunodeficiency Virus antibodies were more prevalent among females 19 (3.8%) than their male counterparts 13 (2.6%). Human Immunodeficiency Virus prevalence was higher among married students 20 (4.0%) than single students 12 (2.4%). The Chi-Square (χ2) analysis using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21.0 showed that there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the age groups, sex, marital status, occupation and the prevalence of HIV among fresh students. Conclusion and Recommendation: The study shows that those having multiple sexual partners, unprotected sexual contact and a history of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, indicate significant differences (P<0.05) respectively. This study confirmed the presence of HIV antibodies among freshly admitted students. We therefore recommend free HIV screening and counselling services in all institutions of higher learning in the country.
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DOI: 10.9734/isrr/2025/v14i1185
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