Knowledge, Awareness and Utilization of HIV Support Groups Among People Living with HIV in A Primary Health Centre in Nigeria

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@article{1718492,
      author = {Chijioke Ezenyeaku, Chiagoziem Ezenyilimba, Chiagozie Ifeadike, Cyril Ezenyeaku, Uchenna Igwebike},
      title = {Knowledge, Awareness and Utilization of HIV Support Groups Among People Living with HIV in A Primary Health Centre in Nigeria},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {11},
      pages = {5061-5069},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1718492.pdf},
      abstract = {Background: HIV support groups provide psychosocial support, education, and adherence support for people living with HIV (PLHIV). This study assessed the level of HIV-related knowledge, awareness, and utilization of support groups among PLHIV attending a primary health centre in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 112 PLHIV accessing care in a primary health centre in Nigeria. Data were collected on socio-demographics, HIV knowledge, awareness and utilization of support groups using an interviewer-administered, semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 41.8 ± 13.5 years; 81.3% were female, 63.4% were married.  Many of the respondents (53.6%) had fair HIV-related knowledge, while 46.4% had high knowledge. Awareness of support groups was high (82.1%) and primarily from healthcare providers (72.3%). Active utilization was low as only 37.5% participated actively, and 23.2% had good utilization levels. Conclusion: Utilization of HIV support groups remains suboptimal despite high awareness and fair knowledge. Targeted education and addressing logistical barriers are needed to enhance participation.},
      keywords = {HIV, Support Groups, Knowledge, Awareness, Utilisation, Psychosocial Support, Primary Health Care, Nigeria},
      month = {May},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I11-1718492}
  }