The HIV and Syphilis Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors among Incarcerated Individuals in Port Harcourt

Abstract

Infectious diseases like HIV and syphilis are a significant burden in prisons, where they are more prevalent than in the general population. The confined unhygienic living conditions and high-risk behaviours contribute to the spread of infections among incarcerated individuals. This study was therefore aimed at investigating the prevalence of HIV and syphilis among inmates incarcerated in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design involving 200 inmates from the Port Harcourt Maximum Security Custodial Centre. A well-structured questionnaire was administered in addition to screening for HIV-1/2 antibodies as well as antibodies against Treponema pallidum using rapid diagnostic test kits. Descriptive statistics and chi-square were performed on the GraphPad Prism 9 software with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. The seroprevalence of HIV reported in this study was 6.5% while 4.5% was reported for syphilis with an HIV-syphilis co-infection of 0.5%. The duration of incarceration, history of blood oath, transactional sex and sharing of personal belongings were significantly associated with the prevalence of HIV while intravenous drug use, sharing of personal belongings and homosexuality were significantly associated with the prevalence of syphilis (p < 0.05). The findings of this study necessitate further research and the implementation of interventions targeting specific high-risk populations like prisoners. Offering HIV and syphilis testing and treatment, mitigation of unsafe sex and injection drug use practices as well as improvement of hygiene and sanitation in prison facilities are strongly recommended for limiting the spread of HIV and syphilis among the incarcerated.