Determinants of HIV Infection in Nigeria: A Synthesis of the Literature

Abstract

Background: Nigeria has an estimated 3.5 million HIV positive individuals, ranking third worldwide. This study analyzed the determinants of HIV infection to improve HIV programming in Nigeria and developing countries. Methodology: The methodology used was a literature review of grey and electronic databases of reviewed journals, and application of Dahlgren and Whitehead (1991) determinants of health model. A total of 45 publications (21 reports and 24 articles were reviewed).Results: New infections are emerging at increasing rates among individuals engaging in sexual relationships such as men having sex with men (MSM) and female sex work (FSW). The level of political commitment to HIV control is extremely low: currently, the government of Nigeria provides less than 10 percent of the funding for HIV control efforts in Nigeria, the rest coming from foreign sources and private sectors. Political, work environment, gender, healthcare service and lifestyle determinants are predominant over others.Conclusion: HIV control in Nigeria is financially over-dependent on foreign interventions. Political actions are required to address sexual orientations. Most-at-risk populations require education, legal requirements, and healthcare services in order to minimize new infection.