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  2. Vol 29, No 2 (2025)
  3. Adelekan

Sexual and reproductive health needs and barriers among youth living with HIV/AIDS in Lagos State, Nigeria

Babatunde A. Adelekan(1), Toriola Femi-Adebayo(2), Bisola I. Adebayo(3), Esther O. Somefun(4), Amaka Haruna(5), Bukola F. Popoola(6), Funmilade O. Adepoju(7), Maureen U. Samuel(8), Olufunsho T. Akinyemi(9), Oladipupo Fisher(10), Monsurat Adeleke(11), Erika Goldson(12), Ulla Mueller(13),


(1) United Nations Population Fund Nigeria
(2) Department of Community Health and Primary Health Care, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
(3) Department of Community Health and Primary Health Care, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria
(4) United Nations Population Fund Nigeria
(5) United Nations Population Fund Nigeria
(6) Department of Community Health and Primary Health Care, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
(7) Department of Community Health and Primary Health Care, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
(8) Department of Community Health and Primary Health Care, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
(9) Department of Community Health and Primary Health Care, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
(10) Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, Lagos, Nigeria
(11) Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, Lagos, Nigeria
(12) United Nations Population Fund Nigeria
(13) United Nations Population Fund Nigeria
Corresponding Author

Abstract


This study assesses the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs and barriers faced by youth living with HIV/AIDS in Lagos State, Nigeria. Conducted between September and December 2022, the cross-sectional survey involved 117 participants from HIV support groups, with a mean age of 18.6±2.6 years. Most participants were female (57.3%), and 47% had lost one or both parents. While 78.6% were aware of male condoms, only 33.3% reported being sexually active, and just 41% demonstrated good SRH knowledge. Key SRH needs included access to youth-friendly services, comprehensive education, diverse contraceptive options, support for HIV status confidentiality, as well as transportation assistance. Barriers to service utilisation were fear of HIV disclosure (66.7%) and transportation costs (59.8%). Sexual activity was significantly associated with contraceptive use (p=0.001) and being in a relationship (p<0.001). Regression analysis revealed that contraceptive use increased the odds of sexual activity 3.3 times (aOR 3.32, 95% CI 1.134–9.744, p=0.029), while being in a relationship raised it by 5.9 times (aOR 5.96, 95% CI 2.126–16.747, p=0.001). The findings underscore the need for targeted policies and programs to enhance access to SRH services and address the unique needs of youth living with HIV/AIDS in Lagos State.

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