Socioeconomic Effects of HIV/AIDS on Older Adults in Benue State, Nigeria

In Nigeria HIV-1 accounts for 89 percent of all infections, while 4 percent is by HIV-2 and 7 percent by a combination of type 1 and 2 (FMH Nigeria, 2007). This paper assess the socioeconomic effects of HIV/AIDS on older adults in Benue State, Nigeria; a state with the highest prevalence of the disease, with 12.7 percent (NACA, 2012). With the increasing number of HIV/AIDS infected older adults in Benue state, this study analyzes the social and economic effects of HIV/AIDS on infected older adults, at the level of the family and community, and the relationship between HIV/AIDS infection, stigma, loss of employment and reduction of income among infected older adults.

In this research design, a stratified random sample of 275 was drawn comprising of HIV/AIDS infected older adults, significant others, SACA/LACA officials, Coordinators of Support Groups, Community Leaders and Religious Leaders. The data was collected using questionnaire, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The results of the study reveals that the pandemic of the disease has brought about stigmatization and discrimination among the infected. The HIV/AIDS infected older people suffer stigmatization from their family members, their community and work places. The results of the focus group discussions reveal that the HIV/AIDS infection among older adults has resulted in depletion of income, loss of employment, and decline in productivity and eventual laid-off. While those that are self-employed have lost patronage due to fear of contacting the disease. Similarly, their savings and little income are diverted to treatment of the disease.