Knowledge and Beliefs about HIV/AIDS among Male and Female Students of Nigerian Universities

Abstract

HIV/AIDS is one of the biggest problems that has puzzled the medical world, this is because AIDS islife threatening and as of present there is no cure for the disease. The first AIDS case in Nigeria wasreported in 1986. Since then, the epidemic has steadily grown. Estimates show the number of peopleliving with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria in 2003 to be between 3.2 and 3.8 million (2003 HIV Sentinel Survey),and the age group 20–24 years having the highest national prevalence (5.6%). The active labour forceis greatly affected and this has enormous consequences for the future generation. The presentresearch is aimed at studying the awareness of HIV/AIDS among selected students in tertiaryinstitutions in Nigeria. Specifically, the research investigated the role of traditional and culturalsocietal norms, on the behavioural patterns of youths in the tertiary institutions. The targetpopulation represent the age group in the country which have the highest national prevalence rate.This target group also constitute those that practice risky behaviour, drug addiction and premaritalsex, which can increase the chances of the increase of HIV infection. The risk of HIV/AIDS infectionsamong youths in the tertiary Institutions has increased in recent years. The sample consisted of 162males and 162 females, between the ages of 20 – 24 in 3 Tertiary Institutions. The results of thesurvey indicate that socio-economic factors, culture and tradition all play a significant role in thedifferences between female and male perceptions of the HIV/AIDS.

Keywords

• HIV/AIDS
• Youth
• Gender
• Tertiary institutions
• Culture and traditions