Pre-marital HIV testing in couples: Our experience in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among prospective couples referred from some churches and faith based organizations inKano for pre-marital HIV screening. The study is therefore to establish the seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in this particular group.

Methods: A total of 79 healthy heterosexual couples who were sent for pre-marital HIV screening between January 2003 to December 2005 using a double ELISA and a confirmatory test technique for HIV I & II antibodies.

Results: A total of 158 subjects were screened, 38 (24.1%) were found to be positive. Sero-prevalence among the females was higher 25(31.6%) compared to the males 13 (16.6%). Sero-prevalence of HIV was significantly higher among females (P= 0.038) among prospective couples from orthodox churches (P=0.029) and couples cohabiting P=0.001.

Conclusion: Our findings have shown that the faith based organizations and churches should urgently initiate health education, behavioural and social changes among their members. It also shows the need for voluntary counseling and confidential HIV testing especially pre and post-test counseling as the basis of pre-marital HIV testing.