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  • Title: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: education exposure, knowledge and attitude of Nigerian adolescents in Calabar.
    Author: Asindi AA, Ibia EO, Young MU.
    Journal: Ann Trop Paediatr; 1992; 12(4):397-402. PubMed ID: 1283669.
    Abstract:
    The knowledge of and attitude to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) of 738 secondary school youths in Calabar were studied by questionnaire in March 1991. Most (92%) of the adolescents had heard about AIDS, largely through the mass media (79-85%), with parents and teachers contributing in less than 40%. About 30% did not know that AIDS exists in Nigeria. Most of them knew that promiscuity, blood transfusion and sharing injection needles and syringes are the major modes of transmission, but a number still incriminate toilet seats, eating utensils, hand-shaking and kissing. Only 31% were aware that condoms provide protection. For self-protection the youths prefer abstinence (45%) and confinement to one sex partner (19%). Only 3.6% would adopt the use of condoms. To prevent the spread of AIDS, the youths prescribe isolation (37%), treatment (34%), and killing (14%) of diagnosed cases. Most youths (77%) will stop seeing friends and 63% will reject relatives who develop AIDS. The study reveals that while general awareness of AIDS is fairly good, detailed knowledge is riddled with misconceptions and confusion. It is recommended that physicians in the community should assist in disseminating accurate information, with the support of parents, teachers and the youths themselves. This paper reports findings from a study of the knowledge and attitude toward AIDS of 738 secondary school youths in Calabar. Queried in March 1991, 10.3% of the respondents were under age 15, while 79.5% were aged 15-20. 92% had heard about AIDs, with 79-85% doing so through the mass media. The input of parents and teachers was noted in less than 40% of cases. 30% did not know AIDS existed in Nigeria. Most knew that promiscuity, blood transfusions, sharing injection needles and syringes are the major modes of transmission, yet some held that toilet seats, eating utensils, hand-shaking, and kissing are risk factors for contracting HIV. Only 31% were aware that condoms provide protection, so their use to that end was suggested by only 2.6%. Instead, 45% prefer to abstain and 19% choose to remain monogamous in order to protect themselves from HIV. To prevent the spread of AIDS, 37% recommended that cases be isolated, 34% recommended treatment, and 14% though cases should be executed. 77% and 63% responded that they would stop seeing, respectively, friends and relatives who develop AIDS. 61% were unaware that no cure exists for AIDS. In light of these findings, it is recommended that doctors in the community help disseminate accurate information with the support of parents, teachers, and youths.
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