Author(s)

Moore Ikechi Mike-Ogburia^1*, Aisha Dio¹, Victory Chidinma Nwogu¹, Barynem Vito-Peter¹, Gift Mibilanyeofori Hart¹, Nancy Obutor Ideozu¹, Okadini Collins Albert^1,2, Minichim Nnah Mike-Ogburia³, Chiziyara Orluibna Obunwo⁴, Ozioma Chiagoziem Okoro⁵, Priscilla Adonike Ogbakiri⁶, Patmos Obu Angala⁷, Ugonma Kendra Jumbo⁸, Abigail Chisa Mike-Ogburia⁹

¹Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
²Port Harcourt Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Rivers State Command, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
³Department of Medicine and Surgery, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
⁴Department of Health Services, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
⁵Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
⁶Kariden Specialist Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
⁷Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.
⁸Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria.
⁹Department of Basic and Applied Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

Background: The burden of COVID-19 and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are some of the major and persistent global health challenges of the twenty-first century. HIV and COVID-19 are expected to overlap in high HIV-burden countries, posing several public health challenges as a result. Prisons are overcrowded, have limited space for social distancing and have inadequate ventilation systems, making it difficult to contain the spread of COVID-19 in addition to the high-risk behaviours of inmates which contribute to the spread of HIV within these facilities. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 among inmates in a prison facility with a relatively high HIV burden in Port Harcourt, Nigeria; investigating potential risk factors and co-infection with HIV. Methodology: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design sampling 200 inmates from the Port Harcourt Maximum Security Custodial Centre from July to December 2022. A well-structured questionnaire was administered via interviews in addition to screening for HIV-1/2 antibodies as well as COVID-19 antigens using rapid diagnostic test kits. Descriptive statistics and chi-square were carried out on the GraphPad Prism 9 software with statistical significance defined as a p-value of less than 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval. Result: The prevalence of HIV from the current study was 6.5%, COVID-19 prevalence was reported to be 12.5% while HIV/COVID-19 co-infection was 1.5% The duration of incarceration, face mask use, frequent visitations and vaccination against COVID-19 were found to be significantly associated with the prevalence of COVID-19 in the studied population (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The current study reports a relatively high prevalence of HIV and COVID-19 among the inmates in the study area. It becomes expedient for the administrators of the correctional facility to properly screen new inmates for COVID-19, quarantine and manage cases, as well as provide them with personal protective equipment such as face masks. In-person visitation should be balanced with measures to prevent the spread of the infection, and mass vaccination campaigns should be promoted. Improving access to HIV screening and therapy for all prisoners should be prioritised to identify and manage the incidence of HIV early, reducing the risk of transmission, mitigating comorbidities and improving health outcomes.

HIV, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Prevalence, Incarceration, Prison, Risk Factors

Mike-Ogburia, M. , Dio, A. , Nwogu, V. , Vito-Peter, B. , Hart, G. , Ideozu, N. , Albert, O. , Mike-Ogburia, M. , Obunwo, C. , Okoro, O. , Ogbakiri, P. , Angala, P. , Jumbo, U. and Mike-Ogburia, A. (2023) Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of COVID-19 in an Incarcerated Population Burdened with HIV Infections in Port Harcourt. World Journal of AIDS, 13, 28-46. doi: 10.4236/wja.2023.132004.