PREVALENCE AND DETERMINANTS OF HIV RISK BEHAVIOURS AMONG SEAFARERS IN PORT HARCOURT SEAPORT RIVERS STATE

PREVALENCE AND DETERMINANTS OF HIV RISK BEHAVIOURS AMONG SEAFARERS IN PORT HARCOURT SEAPORT RIVERS STATE

Abstract:

HIV/AIDS in seafaring is a global health issue with adverse effects on the seafarers and the economy at large. In spite of the role of seafaring in the spread of HIV epidemic, most of the researches in Nigeria hitherto focused on land-based transport workers. The few available data on seafaring in Nigeria, was limited to HIV knowledge, attitude and practice, without exploring the determinants of HIV risk behaviours. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and determinants of HIV risk behaviours among seafarers in Port Harcourt Port, Rivers State. A cross sectional study design comprising of quantitative and qualitative components was employed in the study. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, seafaring related characteristics, HIV knowledge, attitude and risk behaviours were collected using a validated, pre-tested and self-administered questionnaire. The level of HIV knowledge were categorized as good, fair and poor while HIV attitude was classified as either positive or negative attitude. The qualitative component of the study employed the use of focus group discussion guide. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were done to explore the determinants of HIV risk behaviours. The study had a total of 103 seafarers. The mean age ± standard deviation of the seafarers was 38.8 ± 8.51 years. Majority of the seafarers were males (92.2%; n=95) and spent six months or more on sea voyage (53.4%; n=55). The level of HIV knowledge was good in 68.9% (n=71) of the respondents while 49.5% (n=51) had comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge. Most of the seafarers had positive HIV attitude (88.3%. n=91). HIV screening among seafarers who consented to the test (n=92) revealed that one out of the 92 seafarers was positive, giving an HIV prevalence rate of 1.1%. The prevalence of multiple sex partnership was 29.1% (n=30); transactional sex was 6.8% (n=7); homosexuality was 1.0% (n=1) and illicit intra-venous drug use was 2.9% (n=3). Thirty-five of the seafarers (34.0%) engaged in one or more HIV risk behaviours and non-condom use among them was 85.7% (30 out of the 35 seafarers). Sex, time period on voyage and comprehensive knowledge were significantly associated with HIV risk behaviours (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that seafarers who spent six or more months on voyage were three times more likely to engage in HIV risk behaviours than those who spent less than six months (Adjusted odds ratio=3.08; 95% confidence interval=1.26- 7.51; p<0.05). Also, seafarers with no comprehensive HIV knowledge were about 2.5 times more likely to engage in HIV risk behaviours than those with comprehensive HIV knowledge (Adjusted odds ratio=2.49; 95% confidence interval=1.03-5.96; p<0.05). The qualitative analysis revealed that long duration on sea, non-allowance of spouse during the voyage trip, presence of brothels around the port areas, lack of discipline of seafarers and lack of HIV sensitization visits to seafarers by the port authority were also determinants of HIV risk behaviours. The prevalence of HIV risk behaviours among seafarers in Port Harcourt Seaport is high and the determinants of these behaviours include long duration of voyage and lack of comprehensive knowledge on HIV. The study recommends regular HIV sensitization visits to seafarers to increase HIV knowledge and discourage HIV risk behaviours. Health education strategies using behavioural change communication is also advocated. Keywords: HIV risk behaviours, seafarers, Port Harcourt Port,

PREVALENCE AND DETERMINANTS OF HIV RISK BEHAVIOURS AMONG SEAFARERS IN PORT HARCOURT SEAPORT RIVERS STATE

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