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Title: A study on existing knowledge about AIDS among undergraduates of a Nigerian University.
Author: Gugnani A, Ukeje MA.
Journal: J Commun Dis; 1993 Jun; 25(2):52-6. PubMed ID: 8021426.
Abstract:
This study, carried out during August-October, 1991, involved 236 respondents to a questionnaire designed to determine awareness and attitudes to AIDS and the consequent effect of such awareness on their sexual behaviour. Almost all the medical students were aware of the existence of the disease, while a few (3.8 per cent) of the non-medicos believed that it had not yet reached Nigeria. Most students i.e. 98 per cent and 97 per cent of these respective groups were aware of carrier state of the disease. Only a small percentage of students, mostly medics knew about the exact signs and symptoms of clinical AIDS. The level of knowledge about the modes of transmission of AIDS was found to be adequate. With regard to the effect of this awareness on their behaviour, it was known that a good number of medics (30.37) per cent and non-medics (28.88) per cent had started using condoms. About 40 per cent medicos, and 45 per cent non-medicos revealed an aversion to sit near a person with AIDS thus emphasizing the stigma associated with the disease. Regarding control of AIDS, many felt there should be strict isolation of HIV positive individuals along with a ban on prostitution and homosexuality. 104 medical students and 132 non-medical students aged 15-30 years at the University of Nigeria were surveyed August-October 1991 to learn about their level of awareness and attitudes to AIDS and the consequent effect of such awareness upon their sex behavior. Approximately 50% of the total sample was aged 20-24 years. 99% of the medical students and 96.2% of the non-medical students were aware of the existence of AIDS, but 3.8% of the non-medics believed that it had yet to reach Nigeria. 98% of medics and 97% of non-medics were aware of the carrier state of the disease, and 98% of medics and 81.8% of the non-medics knew the viral etiology of AIDS, but only 6% of non-medics and 50% of medics knew some of the exact signs and symptoms of clinical AIDS. Knowledge was adequate about the modes of HIV transmission. To protect themselves from infection, 33.37% of medics and 28.79% of non-medics reported using condoms, although 14.42% of medics and 32.58% of non-medics have not changed their sexual behavior. Those who have not taken steps to prevent HIV transmission do not perceive themselves as being at risk of infection with HIV. 40% of medics and 45% of non-medics were averse to sitting near someone with AIDS, while many felt there should be strict isolation of people with HIV along with a ban on prostitution and homosexuality.

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