Socio-demographic determinants of HIV prevalence across Nigerian regions

Nigeria faces significant HIV prevalence disparities. Existing studies are limited, hindering targeted interventions. A comprehensive national analysis of socio-demographic and behavioral factors is crucial for effective strategies. This study addresses this gap by providing an in-depth, nationwide assessment of HIV prevalence determinants. It aims to examine the socio-demographic determinants of HIV prevalence across Nigeria, investigating the influence of gender, marital status, education, wealth, and regional differences on HIV risk to inform targeted intervention strategies. A cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing nationally representative data from the 2018 Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS). The sample comprised 173,716 adults and 32,484 children. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression were employed to assess associations between socio-demographic factors and HIV prevalence. The overall HIV prevalence among adults in Nigeria was 1.36% (95% CI:1.29–1.45), with significant regional disparities. The South-South region exhibited the highest prevalence 2.86 (2.60–3.15%), while the North-West demonstrated the lowest 0.54 (0.43–0.69%). Key predictors of HIV prevalence included female gender (AOR = 1.76, p < 0.001), widowed marital status (AOR = 2.28, p < 0.001), and primary education level (AOR = 1.81, p = 0.002). Primary and Secondary education have significantly higher odds of HIV (AOR 1.81 and 2.13) compared to no education, whereas Tertiary/Higher education is not statistically significant (AOR = 1.38, P = 0.119). This study provides a crucial nationwide perspective on the socio-demographic drivers of HIV prevalence in Nigeria. The findings underscore the necessity for gender-sensitive interventions, enhanced access to education, and region-specific policies to address economic disparities.