“I’m Too Young to Catch the Bug”: Nigerian Adolescent Students’ Perceptions of HIV/AIDS and its Influence on Their Sexual Behaviour

Abstract

This study investigated Nigerian adolescent students’ perceptions of HIV/AIDS and its influence on their sexual behaviour. Subjects were 300 students (150 male and 150 females), ages 13 to 19 years drawn from 10 secondary schools in Lagos state of Nigeria. Data were obtained using a researcher developed questionnaire. The study revealed that there is low and negative relationship between Nigerian adolescent students’ perception of HIV/AIDS and their involvement in sexual activities. Data analysis indicated that Nigerian adolescent students’ perception of HIV/AIDS is significantly influenced by gender. Other findings revealed that students’ age, religion and means of HIV/AIDS information did not significantly influence their perception of the disease. Low and positive relationships existed between adolescent students’ perceptions of HIV/AIDS and attitude to prevention methods. Based on the finding, it was recommended that sexuality and HIV/AIDS education be formally introduced into the school curriculum.

Keywords: Adolescent, Students, perceptions, HIV/AIDS, prevention methods, sexual behaviour