Gender perspectiveof the demographic and biological profiles of southwestern Nigerians living with HIV infection at presentation (2004 – 2015).

Background: Nigeria ranks second in total burden of HIV/AIDS globally and it is estimated that women constitute over half of the population of persons living with HIV/AIDS.Despite the high burden, the epidemiology of HIV in Nigeria, especially in women is not well understood. In this study the gender dimensions of the patients presenting at a large HIV treatment centre is reported. Methods: Retrospective data analysis of clinical and laboratory information generated during routine patient care. Patients’ data were captured with case record forms designed for the programme by clinicians and uploaded into the programme data base by data entry clerks. Study specific data were extracted from the data base, exported and analysed with SPSS for windows version 19.0 Results: A total of 23,734 adult HIV positive patients were seen over the 11 year study period. Yearly enrolment increased steadily from 625 in 2004 to a peak of 2327, with the proportion of women increasing over the years from 60.2% in 2004 to 68.6% in 2015. Trading was the most common occupational group (23.0%), although artisans were in the majority (25.3%) among the female enrollees. Majority were married (64.0%), acquired HIV infection through the heterosexual route (79.4%) and presented at late disease stage (55.3%). More males presented late, and with comorbidities compared to the females (p <0.05). The mean CD4 cell count was 269.3 ± 173.7, with a higher mean baseline in females (290.8 ± 182.1) compared to (228.6 ± 153.1) in the male (p=0.001) Conclusion: Majority of patients were females, traders and infected through heterosexual sex. Over 80% presented at CD4 count < 500 cell/mm3, with females presenting at a higher CD4 count. Prevention programme should target females, traders and artisans, in addition to continue what is currently ongoing to control the epidemic.