Knowledge, Perception and Behaviour of Nigerian Youths on HIV/AIDS

Background: The pandemic of HIV remains on the increase with young people at increased risk of infection. This study assesses the knowledge of HIV/AIDS, perception and practices of youths in Lagos, Nigeria. Method: Descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted between May and June 2008 using structured pre-tested questionnaires among 315 randomly selected students enrolled at a tertiary institution in Lagos, Nigeria. Results: The knowledge of some aspects of the disease was quite high in the study group. The overall mean score to a ten HIV/AIDS knowledge questions was 8.3 of 10 points. 73.5% did not perceive themselves at risk of infection and 70.3% have multiple lifetime sexual partners. Those who perceived themselves at risk are significantly (p=0.019) more likely to always use condoms. Conclusion: The low risk-perception has hindered commitment to behaviour change. Strategies that focus on influencing risk-perception are recommended to prevent further transmission of the virus in young people. Institution where study is done: Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Nigeria