1. Sexual and reproductive health needs and barriers among youth living with HIV/AIDS in Lagos State, Nigeria.
- Author
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Adelekan BA, Femi-Adebayo T, Adebayo BI, Somefun EO, Haruna A, Popoola BF, Adepoju FO, Samuel MU, Akinyemi OT, Fisher O, Adeleke M, Goldson E, and Mueller U
- Subjects
- Humans, Female, Adolescent, Male, Nigeria epidemiology, Cross-Sectional Studies, Young Adult, Sexual Health, Contraception Behavior statistics & numerical data, Contraception Behavior psychology, Adult, Health Services Needs and Demand, HIV Infections epidemiology, HIV Infections psychology, Health Services Accessibility, Sexual Behavior psychology, Reproductive Health, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Reproductive Health Services statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
This study assesses the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs and barriers faced by youth living with HIV/AIDS in Lagos State, Nigeria. Conducted between September and December 2022, the cross-sectional survey involved 117 participants from HIV support groups, with a mean age of 18.6±2.6 years. Most participants were female (57.3%), and 47% had lost one or both parents. While 78.6% were aware of male condoms, only 33.3% reported being sexually active, and just 41% demonstrated good SRH knowledge. Key SRH needs included access to youth-friendly services, comprehensive education, diverse contraceptive options, support for HIV status confidentiality, as well as transportation assistance. Barriers to service utilisation were fear of HIV disclosure (66.7%) and transportation costs (59.8%). Sexual activity was significantly associated with contraceptive use (p=0.001) and being in a relationship (p<0.001). Regression analysis revealed that contraceptive use increased the odds of sexual activity 3.3 times (aOR 3.32, 95% CI 1.134-9.744, p=0.029), while being in a relationship raised it by 5.9 times (aOR 5.96, 95% CI 2.126-16.747, p=0.001). The findings underscore the need for targeted policies and programs to enhance access to SRH services and address the unique needs of youth living with HIV/AIDS in Lagos State., Competing Interests: The Authors declared no conflict of interest, (African Journal of Reproductive Health © 2025.)
- Published
- 2025
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