Health Seeking Behaviour and Experiences of Key Population in Southeast Nigeria

Key populations experience significant difficulty accessing healthcare services, resulting in unfavourable disparities in the health outcomes of key populations when compared to the general population. The overall objective of this study is to explore the healthcare-seeking experiences of key populations (KPs) in southeast Nigeria, aiming to address the existing gap in research and inform policy development for inclusive healthcare services. The study adopted a mixed-method approach. For the quantitative aspect, 110 persons who identify as any of the target population or who fall within the intersection of the groups (MSM, FSW, and PWUD) responded to the online survey distributed across the five southeastern states. Participants fall between the ages of 15 and 35. Due to the nature of the population being studied, convenience sampling was used to select participants for the three sets of focus group discussions. Analysed data revealed that pervasive stigma and discrimination experienced by KPs when accessing healthcare services, compounded by financial constraints, fear of disclosure, and past negative experiences, are the key challenges to accessing healthcare services. Subgroup analyses identified heightened discrimination faced by younger MSMs and feminine-presenting MSMs, as well as female PWUD. Participants expressed reliance on alternative care due to previous mistreatment and significant barriers within public hospital settings. Recommendations include training healthcare staff to be sensitive to diverse identities, engaging KPs in healthcare delivery, expanding services at community-based organisations, and promoting economic empowerment. Addressing these barriers is crucial to improving access to non-discriminatory healthcare services for HIV KPs in southeast Nigeria, contributing to the global effort to end AIDS by 2030.