Knowledge of HIV prevention and stigmatising attitudes among young people with disabilities in Abuja, Nigeria

Nigeria remains an epicentre for HIV, with young people aged 15–24 accounting for nearly 50% of new infections. Young people with disabilities (PWDs) constitute a particularly vulnerable population, facing elevated HIV risk due to limited access to information, healthcare barriers and social marginalisation. Understanding the knowledge and stigma within this population is essential for an inclusive national HIV response. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in Abuja, Nigeria. The target population comprised of young PWDs enrolled in special needs schools and disability support centres. A total of 496 eligible participants were recruited. Data were collected through questionnaires; selected teachers were trained as research assistants to ensure easy and inclusive communication in administering the questionnaires. Data were analysed descriptively, and binary logistic regression was used to assess predictors of HIV prevention knowledge. Many respondents demonstrated poor knowledge of HIV prevention (93.1%), despite high recognition of consistent condom use. Overall, (57.1%) of respondents exhibited higher stigmatising attitudes. Specific discriminatory attitudes included a reluctance to buy vegetables from a vendor with HIV (55.0%). Unlike the general population, no sociodemographic variable (age, gender) or disability status was significantly associated with having good knowledge. The uniformity of poor knowledge across demographic categories suggests a systemic structural exclusion from disability-inclusive sexual health education. Addressing these gaps requires targeted and inclusive HIV education and testing programmes that combat both misinformation and intersectional stigma. Disability inclusion must become an integral component of Nigeria’s HIV response to achieve equitable progress toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.