Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the leading cause of deaths and disease among women of the reproductive age group (15-49 years) in low-income countries. It is therefore necessary to undertake periodic reviews of pertinent indices related to HIV/AIDS. This could serve as the basis for developing evidence-based strategies. The study is aimed to identify and monitor trends in sexual risk behaviors, HIV knowledge and testing among women of the reproductive age group in Nigeria.
Material and methods: Secondary data analysis of the Demographic Health Surveys (DHS) in Nigeria carried out from 2003 to 2013 was performed. Data on sexual risk behavior, HIV knowledge and testing among reproductive-aged women were extracted from the online log book to the Excel format. Chi square for trend was employed in the analysis using Epi Info version 7.
Results: The survey (2003-2013) had a total of 79,953 women aged 15-49 years. Mean age of respondents was 26.0 ± 12 years. Most of the respondents (71%) were married or cohabiting. As to sexual risk behaviors, non-spousal sex and non-condom use showed a significant decline (p < 0.05). Although there was a 0.1% rise in multiple sex partnership, this trend was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). There were significant upward trends in the indicators of HIV knowledge and testing (p < 0.01).
Conclusions: Nigeria is making progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS among reproductive-aged women as reflected in the indicators on sexual risk behaviors, HIV knowledge and testing. However, collaboration with international stakeholders needs to be strengthened to enhance this progress