Social lifestyle plays a significant role in the transmission of human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV). Hence, abstinence and faithfulness are important for preventing
HIV transmission.
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HIV antibodies among Muslims
in Osun state, Nigeria.
A total of 1554 Muslims who attended mosques for worship and provided consent
were recruited for this study. Relevant data were obtained using a pro forma
designed for this purpose. Blood specimens were collected for HIV screening
using Determine, Unigold, and Stat Pak HIV kits according to an approved serial
algorithm.
Out of 1554 subjects, who opted for HIV counseling and testing, 434 (36.29%)
belonged to the highly productive age group and were aged 28–37years. Among
the subjects, 689 (44.34%) were unmarried individuals; however, 13 (0.84%) were
divorcees and 25 (1.61%) were widows/widowers. Among the married participants,
207 (25.03%) belonged to polygamous families, whereas, 620 (74.97%)
were from monogamous families. There were 200 (12.87%), 52 (3.35%), 70
(4.5%), and 128 (8.24%) unemployed individuals, uniformed men, drivers, and
students, respectively. Seroprevalence of HIV was found to be very low (0.064%).
However, seroprevalence of other subgroups was 0.0%. Among the subjects, illiterate,
unemployed, married women from monogamous families, who were aged
28–37 years, were found to have HIV antibodies. The study reveals that there is a
very low prevalence of HIV among faithful Muslims in Osun state, Nigeria. There
is a need for intensive health education through religious groups that emphasize
moral fidelity among married and unmarried individuals.