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Predictors of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Acquisition among children 0-14 Years in Nigeria
Aisha A Abdullahi1, Hassan A Murtala1, Amina Aminu1
1Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Kano Independent Research Centre Trust (KIRCT), Nigeria.
Insights
Maternal health significantly impacts pediatric HIV outcomes in Nigeria. Children born to mothers aware of their HIV status had a lower infection risk, highlighting the importance of maternal care and prevention programs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Pediatric HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) remains a global health concern, disproportionately affecting children under 15.
- In Nigeria, children under 15 constitute a significant portion of new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths.
- Understanding the specific predictors of HIV in Nigerian children is crucial for targeted prevention and intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and describe the key predictors of HIV infection among children aged 0-14 years in Nigeria.
- To analyze the association between sociodemographic factors and pediatric HIV acquisition.
- To inform public health policies and interventions aimed at reducing pediatric HIV in Nigeria.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a weighted sample of over 84 million children from the 2018 Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS).
- Utilized descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Kruskal Wallis Test for comparative analysis.
- Employed logistic regression models to determine adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) for HIV predictors.
Main Results:
- HIV prevalence was low: 0.1% in urban and 0.2% in rural areas.
- Maternal awareness of HIV-positive status was a significant protective factor (AOR: 0.02; CI: 0.01-0.06).
- Factors associated with increased pediatric HIV risk included having a living mother (AOR: 6.57; CI: 1.75-24.7) and younger maternal age. Child's age, sex, residence, school enrollment, and conflict zone status were not significant predictors.
Conclusions:
- Maternal health status and awareness are critical determinants of pediatric HIV outcomes.
- Effective Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programs likely contribute to reduced HIV acquisition in children of HIV-positive mothers.
- Strengthened interventions focusing on maternal care, HIV prevention, and healthcare access are essential for vulnerable populations.
Background:
Children under the age of 15 represent 3% of the global population living with HIV, 9% of new HIV infections, and 12% of all deaths related to AIDS. This study describes the predictors of HIV among children aged 0-14 years in Nigeria.
Methods:
We analyzed data from a weighted sample of 84 130 443 children aged 0-14 years, collected as part of the 2018 Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS), the largest in the world. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and the Kruskal Wallis Test were employed to assess the differences between HIV-positive children in urban versus rural areas. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) from logistic regression models were used to delineate predictors of pediatric HIV.
Results:
Weighted data on a total of over 84 million children was analyzed, with a slightly higher median age and school enrollment observed among urban residents. HIV prevalence was low overall, at 0.1% in urban areas and 0.2% in rural areas. Among HIV-positive children, maternal awareness of HIV status was a key determinant: children whose mothers were aware of their HIV-positive status had significantly lower likelihood of HIV infection (AOR: 0.02; CI: 0.01-0.06; p <0.001). Conversely, having a living mother (AOR: 6.57; CI: 1.75-24.7; p = 0.005) and younger maternal age were associated with increased likelihood of pediatric HIV. Other sociodemographic and contextual factors, including child's age, sex, residence, school enrollment, and conflict zone status were not significantly associated with pediatric HIV acquisition.
Conclusions:
The findings showed that maternal health significantly influences pediatric HIV outcomes. Children of HIV-positive mothers were less likely to acquire HIV, likely due to ART and PMTCT programs. These findings emphasize the need for strengthened targeted interventions focusing on maternal care, HIV prevention, and healthcare access among vulnerable populations.
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