Abstract

Despite inherent benefits, routine (HIV) test is still controversial. A cross-sectional survey of 198 preoperative eye patients was carried out at a Nigerian hospital to determine their opinion on preoperative routine HIV screening. Participants comprised 121 (61%) males and 77 (39%) females, mean age 56 years SD 17. Most (77%) had at least primary education. Awareness of HIV/AIDS was high (96%) and radio was the commonest (73%) source of awareness. Just 18% previously had HIV screening, only 37% had positive attitudes towards routine HIV test. Many admitted stigmatization (47%), discrimination (48%) and lack of cure (44%) as challenges of HIV/AIDS. There were no associations (p > 0.05) between participants’ educational levels and awareness of HIV/AIDS, previous HIV test, consenting to preoperative HIV test. Also, there were no associations between  participants’ gender and awareness of HIV/AIDS, previous HIV test, but male gender was associated with consenting to preoperative HIV test (p = 0.011). Continued support for HIV enlightenment (73%) and funding of research into cure for HIV/AIDS 59% were recommended. Discordance exists in participants’ awareness, education and attitudes to routine HIV test. Stigmatization, discrimination and lack of cure still lively HIV/AIDS challenges. Informed consent before preoperative HIV test and continued support for HIV/AIDS are underscored.

Key words: Attitude, informed consent, patient right, preoperative eye patient, routine HIV test.