Self-perceived and unmet general health need among PLWHA in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE This study set out to determine the self-reported unmet health needs of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in a Nigerian population. METHODS A prospective study conducted among consecutive 209 consenting PLWHA in the South-western Nigeria; who sought for care in the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals complex, Ile-Ife and General Hospital, Ilesa were recruited. Participants completed a comprehensive survey seeking information to determine their unmet needs in the following areas: Medication, Dental, Mental, Home care, Hospital admission, access to antiretroviral therapy and emergency services. RESULTS One or more unmet needs were reported by 79.4% of the sample. Needs for medication, home-based care and mental care were more likely to be unmet. There was a statistically significant relationship between unmet needs and living arrangements (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Perceived oral health status was the factor that best predicted the unmet need. Perceived oral health status of these patients should be improved to reduce the level of the unmet needs.