Adolescents AIDS knowledge, attitude and beliefs about preventive practices in Nigeria

Abstract

Three hundred ninety-eight randomly selected Nigerian adolescents were surveyed using well structured questionnaires to collect all information on their knowledge, attitude, beliefs and practice regarding AIDS. The questionnaires were carefully administered and analysed. Most of the respondents, aged 10-20 years, were born in metropolitan cities (83.9%), grew up in such cities (93.2%) and have always lived in them (92.7%). Only 37.9% of them knew the causative agent of AIDS, although 96% claimed to have heard of the disease called AIDS. Seventeen percent (17%) knew all the important routes of transmission and 19.1% identified the groups at high risk for contracting AIDS. Limited knowledge and practice of preventive measures were demonstrated. AIDS was identified as a serious health problem for the world but not yet for Nigeria. Nigerian urban youths have been found to be sexually active with multiple sexual partners. Their knowledge of AIDS is limited, and few of them practice preventive measures. They should, thus, be regarded as a high risk group. Coordinated health education programmes coupled with communication and involvement of these youths should be urgently undertaken.

PIP: 398 adolescents from 8 secondary schools in Lagos, Nigeria were surveyed to assess their knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices of preventive measures in terms of AIDS and to evaluate AIDS education efforts. None of the students thought AIDS was a serious health problem in Nigeria, but 84.2% thought it was the most serious health problem in the world. 96% were aware of AIDS, yet just 37.9% knew that it is caused by a virus. Only 17.1% knew that sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, and mother to child were 3 transmission routes for AIDS. In fact, more students (21.8%) did not know any route. Just 19.1% knew that prostitutes, homosexuals, and drug abusers were groups at high risk of acquiring AIDS, and most teenagers (34.7%) could not identify any high risk groups. Only .7% (3) realized using condoms could prevent AIDS, but 73% (111) of the 152 students who said family planning methods could prevent AIDS mentioned condoms as an AIDS prevention method. 64.1% thought that changes in behavior or life style can prevent AIDS, yet 20% of these students did not know what changes needed to be done to prevent AIDS. 40.7% of the teenagers said they had changed their life style or some behaviors once they heard about AIDS. The main change was not having sexual intercourse with prostitutes. 52.3% believed they would never get AIDS. 33.2% of the students did not list a source of information on AIDS. 41.7% received information from the mass media, especially television and newspapers/periodicals. To effect behavior and life style changes, public health professionals should plan information, education, and communication programs on AIDS which provide accurate information to correct misconceptions and to promote prevention practices.