ATIITUDE AND HIV-RELATED KNOWLEDGE AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OT A, SOUTH WESTERN NIGERIA
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Abstract
Description
The rising prevalence of HIV among young people in Nigeria is of great
concern. This study was to assess HIV-related knowledge and attitude among
secondary school students in Ota, South Western Nigeria. The study employed
a descriptive cross-sectional survey of 441 students from three prominent and
well attended secondary schools located in Ota. A self-administered
questionnaire elicited information on demography, HIVIAIOS knowledge,
source of HIV information, and attitudes towards HIV and PLHA. Response rate
was 98% (441/450). Participants age ranges between 13 and 17 years (mean =
15.67; SO= 1.56). About 57% are in the 13-15 years age group. There was a
proportionate gender distribution of respondents (male 221/fema/e 220). The
respondents' overall mean H/V/A/0$ knowledge score was 64.912. This was
fairly high though with some misconceptions especially about MTCT.
Participants displayed negative attitude towards HIV and PLHA. The leading
source of information was the electronic media (radio and television 89%168%);
minor sources include family members {63%) and HIV posters/billboards
(63%). This study found a significant difference in the attitude of participants
based on gender (t = 3.202, p < 0.05) but no such difference exist based on age
(t = 1.196, p>0.05). The study found no significant difference in HIV knowledge
by gender (t = .940, p>0.05) and age (t = 1.223, p>0.05). Interventions that will
promote H/V related information should be incorporated by institutions of
learning, religious bodies, family members and health professionals are to
assist young people in Nigeria to become more aware of issues surrounding Nas concluded that urgent attention must be .tx:.t.Js&r: oo -
and enlightenment.
Keywords
B Philosophy (General), BF Psychology