Effect Of Adolescents’ Perception And Awareness Of Hiv/Aids On Sexual Behaviour
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Effect Of Adolescents’ Perception And Awareness Of Hiv/Aids On Sexual Behaviour
ABSTRACT
The study sought to investigate the impact of HIV/AIDS knowledge on students’ perceptions of HIV/AIDS infection in selected secondary schools in the Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State. This study included a review of relevant literature under subheadings.
Furthermore, the descriptive research survey was utilised to examine the opinions of the selected respondents through the use of a questionnaire and sampling technique.
This study’s population was represented by 250 respondents. Four (4) null hypotheses were constructed and assessed using the independent t-test and Pearson Moment Correlation Coefficient at a significance level of 0.05.
The data analysis yielded the following results:
(1) The hypothesis demonstrated that counselling had a significant effect on students’ perceptions of HIV/AIDS infection.
(2) Hypothesis two found a significant gender difference in students’ perceptions of HIV/AIDS infection.
(3) The hypothesis revealed a substantial difference between students who have a favourable opinion of HIV/AIDS and those who have a negative perception of HIV/AIDS infection.
(4) Finally, hypothesis four revealed a substantial link between sex education and students’ attitudes about HIV/AIDS infection.
Chapter one
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background for the Study
The study of human sexuality is multidisciplinary in nature. It addresses all aspects of being and being a sexual, gendered person, including biological, psychological, social, economic, and cultural considerations. The impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the country, as well as the urgent need to halt its spread, prompted a desperate quest for an education program to combat the affliction.
According to Adara (2002), this ushered in a new paradigm in adolescent reproductive health education in which the adolescent is given opportunities to develop a perspective on sexual health that includes appreciation for self and others, as well as opportunities to express desires and feelings in a healthy context (Anyikwa, 2002).
The Resolutions and Programmes of Action of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) mandated that adolescent reproductive health issues, among other human population challenges, be prioritised in schools.
Furthermore, the recent scourge of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria has highlighted the critical need to address adolescent reproductive health issues without delay. In 1998, for example, 60% of all reported HIV/AIDS diagnoses were among people aged 15 to 24 (NERDC 2001).
Thus, the concepts of Sexuality Education (SE) were regarded as vital to assisting young people in acquiring enough knowledge, skills, and responsible behaviours in order to prevent and minimise Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), especially the dreaded HIV/AIDS.
Adolescence is a key period in which young people experience numerous bodily changes and adjust to their changing bodies and emotions. They want to make sense of their perplexing situation.
They require information about what is occurring to them, including proper knowledge of sex and its implications. According to studies, adolescent pregnancy and early marriage are leading causes of school dropouts in the country.
Adolescents are also more susceptible to HIV infection, owing to indiscriminate and unprotected sex. Young people require sexuality education programs that demonstrate and educate positive self-worth.
They require clear, truthful, and protective messages around sexual decision-making, healthy relationships, and healthy sexuality. Sexuality is more than just “sex”; it encompasses biology, gender roles, body image, value, ideas, attitudes, sexual conduct, interpersonal interactions, decision making and communication, and other factors.
According to Adekoya (2005), secondary school students are primarily adolescents. Adolescence is a critical period that determines one’s reproductive health for the rest of their lives. At this point, many of them have become sexually active, and they are unaware of the dangers of unprotected sex.
They are more susceptible to STIs and HIV infections, and their sexual and reproductive behaviour is influenced by misunderstandings and worries about physical, social, and mental changes, as well as relationship issues.
Thus, it is proposed that relevant curricula content be reviewed to reflect emerging societal issues such as adolescent reproductive health issues, as well as key concepts in sexuality education such as human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behaviour, sexual health, society, and culture, as well as other skills and knowledge that will assist learners as they continue to face choices and situations in the real world (Humphrey, 1990).
Adolescents from various socioeconomic backgrounds are now well-versed in the causes and consequences of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted illnesses thanks to the implementation of school counselling.
Because of the formation of enlightenment on critical concerns, adolescents no longer have negative views towards counselling and other enlightenment tactics; rather, they welcome it, understanding that the school employs it as a tool of aid and remedy to particular problems.
For example, counselling has taught many teenagers about the hazards of HIV/AIDS, which has made them more cautious and conscious of their sexual behaviours, keeping in mind that HIV/AIDS can be contracted through sex (Apata, 2003).
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