Pattern and Determinants of Morbidity among People Living with HIV/AIDS in North Central Nigeria

The study investigated the nature of self-reported morbidity and determinants of health status among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in North Central Nigeria. A multi-stage cluster sampling method was used to select 1,056 adult PLWHA from 60 community-based support groups as respondents to a structured questionnaire. Based on health production function, health status was specified as a function of individual/household characteristics, health-related behaviours and genetic endowment. Descriptive statistics showed that more than half (52.8%, n=558) of the PLWHA reported illness in the last four weeks. The poor, widows and divorcees, and those living in rural areas reported illness more than their non-poor, married and urban counterparts. Logistic regression results indicated that self reported mobility was associated with rural residence (p=.005), greater use of condom (p=.013), and lower CD4 count (p=.007). Programs to promote positive living and access to health care services among PLWHA in Nigeria, especially in rural areas, are recommended.