ISSN 2736-1748
African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research ISSN 2736-1748 Vol. 12 (8), pp. 001-010, August, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Awareness, knowledge and attitude of epidemiological spread of HIV/AIDS among senior secondary school students in Gombe State, Nigeria
Arul Jayanthi1, Pauline J. S. Doka2, Japhet Y. Galaboyi3,4, Henrieta A. Okedo5, Ndikom Chizoma Millicent6, Amina Abdulsalam7, Dauda Damaris Samaila8, Pauline Atser9, Maimunat Abubakar10, Lynda Dandaso11, Zainab Usman Isa12, Rahila S Madaki13, Eleanor Mustapha14, Maimuna Umar15, Jemuel Victoria Banas16, Musa Abubakar17 and Mohammed Musa18
1Nursing department, College of Nursing sciences Gombe State*, 2Senior Lecturer, Central University of Nicaragua, Central America, 3,4,College of Nursing sciences, Gombe state, 5Department of Nursing, Tansian University, Umunya, Anambara state, 6Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, 7College of Nursing sciences, UITH Ilorin, 8College of Nursing Sciences, Gombe state, 9Department of Nursing, Benue State University, 10Department of Nursing, ATBUTH Bauchi state, 11Department Midwifery, College of Nursing Gombe, 12Department of Nursing, College of Nursing sciences, Gombe state, 13Department of Midwifery, College of Nursing Gombe State, 14Department of Nursing, College of Nursing sciences, Gombe state, 15Department of Midwifery, College of Nursing sciences, Gombe state, 16Department of Nursing, College of Nursing sciences, Gombe state, 17Department of General sceiences, College of Nursing Sciences, Gombe state, 18Department of Public health, College of Nursing sciences, Gombe state.
Abstract
Received 1 June, 2024; Accepted 1 July, 2024; Published 13 August, 2024
Adolescence is a period of vulnerability characterized by the onset of multiple risky behaviors, which can lead to an increased risk of engaging in unprotected and multiple sexual experiences. Young people today have access to more sources of information that can improve their knowledge about HIV; however, youth need this information to make responsible choices concerning their sexual behavior. Furthermore, attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS are expected to influence individuals’ sexual behaviors. Thus, this study seeks to determine the knowledge and attitudes of students regarding the epidemiological spread of HIV. Data was collected from 100 students via questionnaires. Results from the hypotheses tested reveal: (i) It was analyzed that there was no significant relationship between students’ knowledge and their attitude towards HIV/AIDS (T-value = 0.446; df = 99, p > 0.05). Therefore, null hypothesis 1 is not rejected. (ii) It was analyzed that there is a significant relationship between misconceptions about HIV/AIDS and preventive methods (T-value = 0.346; df = 99, p < 0.05). Consequently, null hypothesis 2 is rejected. However, the study established that students’ level of misconception about HIV was high. Hence, there is a need for planning programs that focus on strengthening stakeholders to promote HIV counseling and campaigns, especially in schools.
Key words: Awareness, knowledge, attitude, epidemiology, HIV, AIDS, secondary, student.