International Journal of Medicine and Health Development (Jan 1997)
HIV/AIDS Awareness among secondary school youths in Enugu Nigeria
Abstract
A pilot study was carried out involving 198 Secondary School youths selected randomly from 12 Secondary Schools in Enugu. A self administered pretested questionnaire was used to assess their level of knowledge of AIDS and their attitude towards protecting them-selves from HIV infection. The mean age of the students was 16.2 years. Only 42.9% had adequate knowledge of possible sources of HIV infection and modes of transmission. Four percent (4%) did not know that AIDS exists in Enugu, and 16.2% admitted being sexually active. Of these, only 37.5% had used a condom. The TV/Radio scored highly (65.3%) as a source of AIDS information. Most of the students (82.6%) indicated a hunger for more education on AIDS. It is recommended that government and non-governmental organizations mount a sustained, well-planned AIDS Control Programme in Schools and in the Community to improve the level of knowledge of AIDS among the youths as a matter of urgency to reduce HIV transmission and forestall the AIDS tragedy in this part of the world.
