Examining the Economic Consequences of HIV/AIDS on Patients Seeking Treatment at a Teaching Hospital in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out among clients attending clinic in a teaching hospital in Uyo, southern Nigeria in 2005. The 
objective was to determine some of the financial implications of living with HIV/AIDS. This was a descriptive study. 
Data was collected using a structured, interviewer- administered questionnaire and was subsequently analysed 
using Epi 6 software. A total of 331 respondents participated in the study, with a male: female ratio of 1:1.The age 
distribution was 15-69 years. Up to 46.6% of respondents were married, with about 11% having more than 4 children. 
Though the respondents cut across all income groups, 44.7% either had no income or earned less than 5, 000 naira 
monthly. This could not support their laboratory investigations and treatment. Financial support was available to 
only 37.8% of them and was higher among those who disclosed their status to many people. Most of the support 
(80.8%) was from family members. Up to 60.7% of respondents had either borrowed money or sold assets and 56.9% 
could not afford quality food as before. Further studies will help determine the current trend of the financial impact of 
living with HIV/AIDS among clients attending clinic in this part of Nigeria.