ECONOMIC PROBLEMS OF YOUTH WITH HIV/AIDS IN IBADAN, NIGERIA

BACKGROUND: HIV/AIDS has emerged as one of the major global public health problems and it also has substantial economic impact on individuals and their families. OBJECTIVES: This paper describes the economic problems of youth with HIV in Ibadan, Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of PLWHA attending two HIV/AIDS support groups in Ibadan and the University College Hospital (UCH) antiretroviral (ARV) clinic was carried out. Information was obtained on socio-demographic characteristics and economic problems. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy youth aged 18-35 years were interviewed; 140 (82.4%) were female. One hundred and eight (63.5%) respondents were currently employed, 57 (52.8%) of whom were traders. Reasons for unemployment were that respondent’s business capital had been used up to pay for healthcare (38.3%) and ill health (23.4%); while 38.3% were currently schooling. Common economic problems experienced by the respondents were significant increase in healthcare expenses (38.8%) and loss of employment (22.0%). Coping strategies employed to mitigate these problems included depletion of savings 61.1%, borrowing (18.8%) and sale of property (9.4%). Loss of employment was significantly higher among respondents who were symptomatic prior to diagnosis and among those who had a health complaint at the time of the study. Female respondents were also more likely to have lost their jobs compared to male. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the economic impact HIV as a chronic disease has on those infected. Care and support programs thus need to have a strong economic component in order to adequately meet the needs of PLWHA.