THE NEED FOR COUNSELLING IN MANAGING HIV/AIDS INFECTED PEOPLE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI TEACHING HOSPITAL, MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated the need for guidance and counseling in the de-stigmatization of HIV/AIDS-infected patients at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The population was HSIV/AIDS infected patients and their counselors/care-givers at the Medical and Antenatal Clinics of UMTH Maiduguri. This institution was purposively selected based on its activity in dealing with HIV and AIDS related infections and the fact that the national blood transfusion and screening Center for the North East is located within it. The sample consisting of 50 affected persons from the Medical and 30 women affected from the Antenatal Clinics were selected through stratified random sampling technique. Also 20 counselors from the Medical and Antenatal Clinics were used. The research instrument used was a questionnaire designed by the researchers which comprised 3 sections. Section one elicits information on the socio-economic characteristics and sero-status of HIV/AIDS patients, section two was on the attitude of the HIV/AIDS patients while section three was on the need for counseling the HIV/AIDS patients. The instrument was validated for face and content validity and was administered on the respondents during their respective Clinic days. Results showed that HIV/AIDS-infection was more prevalent among people aged 26 years and above. The finding also revealed that people with non-formal education and those with tertiary education were more vulnerable to the disease. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that guidance and counseling units should be established in every Health Care Centers in the State, this is because, it has been observed that the present counseling structure on ground (confined to secondary schools) seems inadequate. Establishment of HIV/AIDS guidance and counseling units in every government institutions and organizations was also recommended.