Condom acceptability for prevention of HIV infection amongst male inmates in a convict prison in north western Nigeria: A Qualitative Research Report

Abstract

There is a general recognition of homosexuality being responsible for the high

prevalence of HIV/AIDS among inmates in Nigerian prisons. However, the use

of condoms which is an evidenced-based preventive measure is critical in the

prison setting because of socio-cultural reasons. Due to the dynamic nature of

the prison population, interventions targeting the prisons will have a

significant effect on the general population. This study assessed condom

acceptability for the prevention of HIV infection among male inmates in a

convict prison in north-western, Nigeria in order to provide supplementary

information that will corroborate some findings from quantitative methods. A

qualitative study was conducted in Zaria prison between 18th December, 2012

and 8th January, 2013. Purposive sampling identified 48 inmates who had

Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-depth Interviews (IDIs). Common

trends and variations in the responses were identified and reflected as

appropriate and presented as narratives with relevant quotations. Majority of

the respondents agreed that homosexuality exists among the inmates, but all

the inmates scowled at the distribution of condoms to inmates in prison.

Majority were of the opinion that condom distribution will promote

homosexuality which is prohibited by Nigerian laws and controlling HIV

transmissions in Nigeria prisons can be effectively done through behavioral

modifications that are geared towards total abstinence.