Abstract HIV Testing and Multiple Sexual Partnerships Among Men in Nigeria

Low Human Immunodeficiency Virus [HIV] test uptake and multiple partnerships among men in Nigeria are contributing factors to HIV transmission. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship between HIV test uptake, sociodemographic characteristics, HIV knowledge, attitude, and multiple sexual partnerships. The health belief model provided the framework for the study. Data were collected from the 2013 Nigerian National Demographic Health Survey, which surveyed 17,359 Nigerian men ages 15-49 years. Chi-square and binary logistic regression analysis showed that sociodemographic variables (age, residence, marital status, religion, wealth status, ethnicity, and educational level), HIV test uptake, HIV knowledge, and attitudes toward negotiating safer sex are significantly associated with multiple sexual partnerships. Findings showed that multiple sexual partnerships were higher among middle-aged men (25-39 years) in Nigeria and lower among Hausa Muslims. Findings showed that HIV testing is a significant predictor of multiple sexual partnerships, those that have been tested are more likely to be engaged in multiple sexual partnerships than those never tested. A well-tailored intervention that will promote follow up with men after HIV test uptake is essential to reduce the practice of multiple sexual partners among them. This may result in positive social change by presenting public health experts, donor agencies, and health teachers with valuable information about how multiple sexual partners and HIV testing can influence sexual risk behaviors among men. This may advance HIV prevention and control practices among men in Nigeria