The Knowledge and Perception of HIV / AIDS Risk Behaviours Among Students

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of Study

HIV/AIDS continues to be one of the most significant public health challenges worldwide, with its effects felt across various age groups, particularly among young people. Globally, the youth, especially those between the ages of 15-24 years, are at high risk of contracting HIV due to risky behaviors such as unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and substance abuse (UNAIDS, 2021). Sub-Saharan Africa remains the epicenter of the epidemic, accounting for a substantial percentage of new HIV infections, with young people making up a large proportion of those affected (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020).

In many developing countries, including Nigeria, there is an urgent need to understand the level of awareness and perceptions about HIV/AIDS among students. This group often represents a vulnerable population due to factors such as limited access to accurate information, peer pressure, and cultural attitudes towards sexual behavior. Students in higher institutions of learning are typically exposed to a wide range of behaviors and social norms that can influence their knowledge, attitudes, and ultimately their sexual health practices. However, studies have shown that despite the widespread availability of information on HIV/AIDS, misconceptions and myths still abound, which may contribute to continued risky sexual behaviors (Simbayi et al., 2017).

According to National Institutes of Health (2021), the role of education in shaping students' perceptions of HIV/AIDS risk behaviors cannot be overstated. Educational institutions provide a key platform for promoting awareness, facilitating the dissemination of accurate information, and influencing students' attitudes toward sexual health. However, it has been observed that some students possess inadequate knowledge about HIV transmission routes and prevention methods (National Institutes of Health [NIH], 2021).

Previous studies have pointed out that students' perceived susceptibility to HIV infection, as well as their attitudes towards HIV prevention strategies such as condom use, significantly influence their likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behavior (Simbayi et al., 2017). Although research has been conducted in some regions, more detailed studies are needed to explore how students' perceptions of HIV risk behavior impact their actual sexual practices.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remain major global health challenges, particularly among the youth and adolescents. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, making individuals vulnerable to opportunistic infections, while AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, characterized by severe immune deficiency (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020). HIV/AIDS transmission primarily occurs through unprotected sexual contact, sharing of contaminated needles, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). While much progress has been made in the prevention and treatment of HIV, there is still a high rate of transmission among young adults, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (UNAIDS, 2021). The perception of HIV/AIDS risk behaviors among students is shaped by various factors, including cultural, social, and educational influences. As such, this study aims to assess the knowledge and perception of HIV/AIDS risk behaviors among students, identifying gaps in knowledge and misconceptions that may contribute to the persistence of risky behaviors in this group.

1.2 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed that HIV/AIDS remains one of the most pressing public health concerns globally, and young people, particularly students, are at the forefront of the epidemic. Despite widespread education and awareness campaigns, there is a persistent gap in knowledge and a lack of accurate perceptions regarding HIV/AIDS risk behaviors among students (Simbayi et al., 2017).

Also, despite the availability of HIV prevention programs, the effectiveness of these initiatives remains a subject of concern. Research indicates that while students may have some level of knowledge about HIV, their attitudes toward prevention are often shaped by factors such as peer pressure, socio-economic status, and the cultural context within which they live (National Institutes of Health [NIH], 2021).

Furthermore, many students still hold misconceptions about HIV transmission, including beliefs that the virus is spread through casual contact, or they remain unaware of the full range of preventive measures available, such as the consistent use of condoms or the importance of regular testing.

In addition, the perception of risk among students is often distorted. Many students perceive themselves as invulnerable to HIV, especially in regions where the prevalence of the virus might not be as visible or widespread, leading to complacency about protective practices (UNAIDS, 2021). It is against the backdrop that this study seeks to address these problems by examining the factors that influence their awareness, attitudes, and practices related to HIV transmission and prevention.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and perception of HIV/AIDS risk behaviors among students.

The specific objectives of the study are as follows:

1. To evaluate the level of knowledge students possess about the transmission, prevention, and consequences of HIV/AIDS.
2. To examine students' perceptions of their risk of contracting HIV and how these perceptions influence their sexual behaviors.
3. To identify common misconceptions and gaps in knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS among students.
4. To assess the impact of socio-cultural factors, such as peer pressure and societal norms, on students' sexual health decisions.
5. To explore the role of educational interventions in shaping students' understanding and prevention strategies concerning HIV/AIDS.
6. To determine the relationship between students' knowledge and their engagement in safe sexual practices, including condom use and regular HIV testing.

1.4 Research Questions

Based on the stated objectives, the following research questions guide this study on the effects of poor sanitation on public health and the environment:

• What is the level of knowledge students have about the transmission, prevention, and consequences of HIV/AIDS?
• How do students perceive their personal risk of contracting HIV, and how do these perceptions influence their sexual behaviors?
• What are the common misconceptions and gaps in knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS among students?
• How do socio-cultural factors, such as peer pressure and societal norms, affect students' sexual health decisions and behavior?
• To what extent have educational interventions influenced students' understanding and adoption of HIV prevention strategies?
• What is the relationship between students' knowledge of HIV/AIDS and their engagement in safe sexual practices, including condom use and regular HIV testing?

1.5 Significance of Study

The outcome of this research study will be crucial in designing more targeted and effective HIV prevention programs for students, ensuring that they receive accurate and comprehensive information about HIV transmission and prevention.

For healthcare providers, this research will offer valuable data on the challenges and misconceptions students have regarding HIV/AIDS, enabling healthcare professionals to tailor their outreach and prevention strategies more effectively.

Additionally, the study will contribute to the global body of knowledge on HIV prevention, offering insights that can be applied in various educational and social contexts to reduce the spread of HIV among young people.

Furthermore, this study will help to explore how students' perceptions of their own HIV risk influence their sexual behaviors, including the adoption of protective measures such as condom use and HIV testing.

1.6 Scope of Study

This study will focus on the knowledge and perception of HIV/AIDS risk behaviors among students in Ogun State, Nigeria. The research will specifically target university students across multiple institutions within the state, including both public and private universities. The scope will cover students from various academic disciplines to provide a comprehensive understanding of the general awareness and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS within this demographic.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:

1. Firstly, the study will be limited to students in Ogun State, meaning that the findings may not be generalizable to students in other states or regions of Nigeria, where cultural, social, and educational dynamics may differ.
2. Secondly, the study will only focus on university students, excluding other youth populations that might have similar or distinct perceptions and behaviors related to HIV/AIDS. This means the study will not provide a full representation of the broader youth population in Nigeria.
3. A third limitation is the reliance on self-reported data. As students may be reluctant to disclose sensitive information regarding their sexual behaviors and HIV-related practices, there could be issues with social desirability bias, where participants might underreport risky behaviors or exaggerate their knowledge.
4. Additionally, the study will only assess the impact of educational interventions provided within the universities. It will not consider the influence of external health campaigns or community-based interventions that could also impact students' perceptions and behaviors regarding HIV/AIDS.
5. Finally, the study will be conducted within a specific academic session (2024/2025), limiting the temporal relevance of the findings. Changes in HIV/AIDS-related education or societal attitudes toward HIV could potentially affect the study's outcomes in future academic sessions.

1.8 Definition of Terms

HIV/AIDS :

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, weakening the body's ability to fight infections. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the final stage of HIV infection, where the immune system is severely damaged, and the individual is vulnerable to life-threatening infections and cancers (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021).

Risk Behavior :

Risk behavior refers to actions or practices that increase the likelihood of contracting HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This includes unprotected sexual intercourse, having multiple sexual partners, or sharing needles (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020).

Perception :

Perception, in this context, refers to the way individuals view and understand their own risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. This includes how students interpret their vulnerability to the virus based on their beliefs, experiences, and the information available to them (Jones et al., 2019).

Knowledge :

Knowledge refers to the awareness and understanding individuals have about HIV/AIDS, including its transmission methods, prevention strategies, and the impact of the disease on health. This term encompasses both factual information and misconceptions about HIV (UNAIDS, 2021).