ACCEPTABILITY OF MANDATORY PREMARITAL HIV TESTING AMONG YOUTHS IN LAFIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Despite decades of HIV/AIDS sensitisation in Nigeria, the acceptability of Mandatory 
Premarital HIV Testing (MPHT) among youths remains low, raising concern that awareness 
campaigns alone are insufficient to drive preventive health behaviour. This study examined the 
acceptability of MPHT among youths in Lafia Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, with 
specific objectives to assess their level of HIV/AIDS awareness, determine the extent of MPHT 
acceptability, identify associated fears, and test the statistical relationships among these 
variables. The study was anchored on the Health Belief Model, which explains health 
behaviour through perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers and Rational Choice 
Theory. A quantitative survey design was adopted, using a structured questionnaire 
administered to 382 youths selected, with data analysed through descriptive statistics, Pearson 
correlation, the Friedman test, and a one-sample t-test in SPSS. Findings revealed a moderateto-high level of HIV/AIDS awareness but comparatively lower MPHT acceptability, driven 
primarily by religious beliefs, cultural background, and inadequate sensitisation. A significant 
positive relationship was found between awareness and acceptance (r = .52, p < .001), while 
awareness was also positively associated with fear of MPHT (r = .38, p < .001). The factors 
influencing acceptability differed significantly in strength (χ² = 152.47, p < .001), and fear of 
stigmatisation and loss of marriage opportunity emerged as the most influential and interrelated 
barriers. The study concludes that low acceptability reflects perceived social barriers rather 
than ignorance, and recommends stigma-reduction programming, religious leader engagement, 
and integration of MPHT into premarital counselling structures.