POVERTY, PRODUCTIVITY, AND CARE: THE SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT OF HIV/AIDS ON HOUSEHOLDS IN CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

HIV/AIDS in an epidemic driven by high-risk sexual behaviour and low-risk perception, with high vulnerability in dense urban areas. This study examines the socioeconomic impact of HIV/AIDS on households in Calabar, Cross River State. The study employs a mixed-methods research design, to collect data from 400 respondents across the study area. The target population for this study comprised all HIV-affected households in Calabar, Cross River State. The sample size for the quantitative survey was determined using the Cochran formula for cross-sectional studies with a multistage sampling technique employed to select households for the quantitative survey. A structured questionnaire was developed for the household survey drawing on instruments used in previous studies band adopted to the specific objectives of the study. The research instruments were validated through multiple procedures, and the reliability of the quantitative questionnaire was assessed through a pilot study conducted with 50 HIV-affected households in the area of Calabar not included in the main study sample. The result of the study revealed that, an average yearly out-of-pocket cost for HIV-related care is estimated at ₦89,450, and about 18.4% of annual family income, showed that HIV/AIDS places a significant financial burden on impacted households. The study concludes that HIV/AIDS perpetuates cycles of household poverty through a number of interrelated mechanisms, such as decreased income, higher medical costs, decreased labor productivity, caregiver stress, and interference with children's education. This research therefore, recommends a policy response such as bolstering social protection mechanisms, and incorporating economic strengthening interventions into HIV care programs.