Knowledge and perception on HIV/AIDS among the Kanuri and Shuwa people of northern Nigeria in relation to their traditional practices

Among the Kanuri and Shuwa peoples of northern Nigeria, tattooing of lips by young girls and women is fashionable and is seen as enhancing the beauty and value of the women. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge and perception of HIV/AIDS among the Kanuri and Shuwa peoples in relation to traditional oral tattoo practices. A total of 1202 persons (50.4% males) responded to the questionnaire. The mean age of the subjects was 31.64 (± 4.05). The majority had no formal education, and the 21-30yrs age group formed the largest proportion (32.3%). Eighty-eight percent of the respondents have heard about HIV/AIDS, out of which 53.6% were males. Only 10.5% believe that HIV/AIDS can be transmitted through traditional tattooing. Most (89.4%) will allow their daughters to be tattooed. The majority (88.4%) believe tattooing will continue for a long time. Despite the high risk of transmission of HIV/AIDS through tattooing, many people are not aware of such risk and still indulge in the practice.