Attitudinal Disposition towards Mandatory Premarital HIV Testing for Intending Couples among Unmarried Christian Youths in Ibadan North East Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria

Background 

About 1.9 million people are living with HIV in Nigeria. Faith-based organisations are also affected. Several measures, including mandatory premarital HIV testing, are implemented to combat HIV/AIDS as a prerequisite for joining intending couples in holy matrimony. Some members may avoid Church weddings due to this and thus drive the disease underground. Vulnerable people will be exposed to HIV infection, which may continue to spread unknowingly and unnoticed. This measure may threaten the gains made in HIV prevention over the years. 

Methods 

A cross-sectional survey design was employed, and Ibadan North East Local Government Area (LGA) was selected from the list of LGAs in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 357 unmarried Christian youths from various denominations in the LGA. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. Variables on respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics, awareness, perception, attitude, intention and attitude were measured. The data were analysed and presented in descriptive statistics. 

Results 

Respondents’ age was 25.4±4.9 years, 51.5% were female, and 55.2% were from the Pentecostal group. A majority (77.7%) were aware of HIV Counselling and Testing, and 49.9% were aware of mandatory premarital HIV tests. A majority (78.2%) indicated that denying intending couples of Church wedding based on a partner's HIV-positive status might cause other unmarried youth to marry outside the Church. More than half, 57.9%, stated that denying intending couples church weddings based on a partner’s HIV status violates fundamental human rights. Most,73.6%, affirmed that the non-existence of regulatory procedures and laws against mandatory premarital HIV tests in Nigeria could be of the barriers preventing the Church from making premarital HIV tests mandatory. Most, 74.3%, indicated that denying intending couples church weddings based on HIV status could shame their families. 

Conclusion 

Voluntary premarital HIV counselling and testing should be encouraged among intending couples. Continuous health education interventions during Church services are critical to help members avoid risky behaviours before and after the wedding. Ethical considerations were: mandatory premarital HIV testing is seen as a violation of fundamental human rights. Disclosure of HIV test results of intending couples to the Church (marriage committee) is a breach of confidentiality.