Knowledge and beliefs about HIV/AIDS among male and female students of Nigerian Universities [Full text]
Chioma Daisy Ebeniro [1]
| Abstract: HIV/AIDS is one of the biggest problems that has puzzled the medical world, this is because AIDS is life threatening and as of present there is no cure for the disease. The first AIDS case in Nigeria was reported in 1986. Since then, the epidemic has steadily grown. Estimates show the number of people living 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 force is greatly affected and this has enormous consequences for the future generation. The present research is aimed at studying the awareness of HIV/AIDS among selected students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Specifically, the research investigated the role of traditional and cultural societal norms, on the behavioural patterns of youths in the tertiary institutions. The target population 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 premarital sex, which can increase the chances of the increase of HIV infection. The risk of HIV/AIDS infections among youths in the tertiary Institutions has increased in recent years. The sample consisted of 162 males and 162 females, between the ages of 20 – 24 in 3 Tertiary Institutions. The results of the survey indicate that socio-economic factors, culture and tradition all play a significant role in the differences between female and male perceptions of the HIV/AIDS.Keywords: HIV/AIDS, youth, gender, tertiary institutions, culture and traditions |
[1] Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, hioma2nv76@gmail.com