HIV/AIDS prevalence among adolescents in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Enugu State, and the need for faith-based interventions

Introduction This study investigated the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) among adolescents in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State, Nigeria. Igbo-Eze South is an area in Enugu State that has received little attention from scholarly community, especially with regards to HIV/AIDS due to its geographical location and spiritual makeup. This study was aiming to defy the odds by exploring the immediate and remote factors, which indicate the commonness of HIV/AIDS among adolescents in the community. Material and methods A validated simple random sampling technique was applied since it reduces bias among respondents. 23 families were selected to participate in the study. Results Findings revealed that adolescences want to experience sex due to peer pressure, they perceive unprotected sex as more entertaining, and an increased number of homosexuals and lesbians are the factors indicating the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among adolescents in Igbo-Eze South LGA. Results further showed that there are adverse effects of HIV/AIDS on adolescents’ futures and well-being, including an increased number of dropouts from school, social isolation as a result of stigmatization, psychological challenges, such as depression and low self-esteem, and susceptibility for contacting other chronic infections. This study showed that there is lack of discipline in faith-based interventions. Conclusions Just like the biblical aphorism in Lamentation 1:12, where Jeremiah cried "Is it nothing to you", this research explored that the increasing HIV/AIDS rate among Igbo-Eze South adolescents means nothing to faith-based organizations. Also, recommendations were discussed.