S O Ike1, P N Aniebue. 1. Department of Medicines, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Nigeria. sobiajuluike@yahoo.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the knowledge and perception of undergraduate students of the University of Nigeria with regards to HIV/AIDS and determine their sexual behaviour. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross sectional descriptive study. Pre-tested structured questionnaires were administered to the students to collect relevant information on their sociodemographic characteristics, HIV/AIDS awareness, sexual behaviour, willingness to screen and disposition to people living with HIV/AIDS RESULTS: Five hundred and seventy nine students between 16 to 40 years of age responded, out of 600. Majority (55%) heard about HIV/AIDS through the media. Seventy two percent believed viruses cause HIV/AIDS but 27% thought it was God's anger or witches. Forty four percent were (genitally) sexually active or engaging in pre/extramarital sexual intercourse and only two-thirds of these used condoms for these purposes. Ninety one percent of those not using condoms simply did not like it or admitted it was unavailable. More than 70% had never had a HIV screening test, mostly due to reluctance or fear. Ninety two percent would lovingly care for a HIV/AIDS patient. CONCLUSION: Information on HIV/AIDS and sexual behaviour to this vulnerable and most economically important group is still inadequate, as reflective of the society. Appropriate information, education and communication strategies must be packaged towards these students, with efforts made to reinforce their positive trends.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the knowledge and perception of undergraduate students of the University of Nigeria with regards to HIV/AIDS and determine their sexual behaviour. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross sectional descriptive study. Pre-tested structured questionnaires were administered to the students to collect relevant information on their sociodemographic characteristics, HIV/AIDS awareness, sexual behaviour, willingness to screen and disposition to people living with HIV/AIDS RESULTS: Five hundred and seventy nine students between 16 to 40 years of age responded, out of 600. Majority (55%) heard about HIV/AIDS through the media. Seventy two percent believed viruses cause HIV/AIDS but 27% thought it was God's anger or witches. Forty four percent were (genitally) sexually active or engaging in pre/extramarital sexual intercourse and only two-thirds of these used condoms for these purposes. Ninety one percent of those not using condoms simply did not like it or admitted it was unavailable. More than 70% had never had a HIV screening test, mostly due to reluctance or fear. Ninety two percent would lovingly care for a HIV/AIDSpatient. CONCLUSION: Information on HIV/AIDS and sexual behaviour to this vulnerable and most economically important group is still inadequate, as reflective of the society. Appropriate information, education and communication strategies must be packaged towards these students, with efforts made to reinforce their positive trends.