Hiv/Aids: Knowledge, Attitudes And Beliefs
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Hiv/Aids: Knowledge, Attitudes And Beliefs
Chapter one
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
The Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), caused by the Human Immune-deficiency Virus (HIV), was originally found in the United States in 1980, and it has since spread like wildfire over the world (UNAIDS, 2001).
When the deadly illness was initially discovered, it was estimated that 21.8 million people had perished as a result. According to this data, 13.2 million people have been orphaned by AIDS since the first event, with Africa accounting for 95% of them.
Similarly, it is estimated that 25.3 million Africans have HIV or AIDS, with around 150,000 infected on a daily basis (Peltzer et al., 2002). This lethal ailment has been reported to primarily affect young persons aged 25 to 45.
Adolescents account for over 60% of those infected in many countries, owing to their physical, psychological, social, and economic vulnerabilities. For example, they are more likely to engage in the following activities:
sex (heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, or oral sex), smoking, tattooing, drug use (such as marijuana and cocaine), manicure/pedicure, kissing with bruised gum, and drinking alcohol, all of which can lead to HIV/AIDS (Rwenger 2003).
Furthermore, it is believed that 60% of Nigerians afflicted with HIV/AIDS are young people aged 13 to 25 (UNAIDS Report, 2005). This has had a significant impact on the country’s labour force, as youths account for the largest proportion of the workforce in any country.
However, it has been noted that university undergraduates have very little knowledge of HIV/AIDS and numerous misconceptions about it (Costin et al., 2002). Similarly, University of Lagos undergraduates have some understanding about HIV/AIDS, at least the numerous mechanisms of transmission such as blood transfusion
sexual contact, and sharing of sharp items; nevertheless, the problem is that they have a misconception about how it is transmitted. The kids are obviously familiar with the term, but the majority believe HIV/AIDS may be transferred by kissing, embracing, and shaking hands.
Furthermore, in a study conducted by Okeke and Fortune (1992), they discovered that most students were aware that HIV/AIDS could be transmitted through blood transfusion, sexual contact, and sharing needles with an infected patient;
however, a few were also aware that the virus could not be transmitted through sharing clothes, shaking hands, kissing, and hugging. It is also alleged that, despite being aware of the risk of transmission through sex, undergraduates at Nigerian universities continued to engage in unprotected intercourse. In addition, some students believe that mosquito bites can transmit HIV/AIDS.
It is also relevant at this time to divulge the findings of a study conducted by Meneghin (1996), who interviewed 10 university students and 21 detainees from the University of Sao Paulo.
According to the interview, 76.5 percent of the students and 67.9 percent of the detainees believed that HIV/AIDS was far away from them, so a test was administered to them, instilling fear in approximately 50% of the students and 67.9 percent of the detainees.
However, due to the aforementioned disparities about HIV/AIDS among undergraduates in Nigerian universities, including the University of Lagos, this study was necessary.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
HIV/AIDS has exacerbated Nigeria’s already impoverished situation, with thousands dying every day as a result of poverty. Many youths who would have contributed to Nigeria’s production have died young as a result of the fatal illness.
Many Nigerian universities, like the University of Lagos, have students who are unaware of their HIV status due to a variety of misconceptions.
Similarly, unfortunate undergraduates at the University of Lagos who have been affected with the virus opt to keep silent rather than seek assistance.
These are the issues that have motivated this research.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The primary goal of this study is to investigate HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs among University of Lagos undergraduate students.
Other specific objectives are:
1.To investigate the consequences of a lack of information about HIV/AIDS on University of Lagos undergraduate students.
2.To determine the level of HIV/AIDS awareness among University of Lagos undergraduates.
3.To see if the university offers courses that raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.
4.To investigate the association between age and undergraduate students at the University of Lagos in addressing HIV/AIDS challenges.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS.
The following research questions were developed to lead this study:
1. What are the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of University of Lagos undergraduate students regarding HIV/AIDS?
2. How does a lack of information about HIV/AIDS affect undergraduates at the University of Lagos?
3. To what extent are undergraduates at the University of Lagos aware of HIV/AIDS?
4. Are there university courses that raise knowledge about HIV/AIDS?
5. What is the relationship between age and University of Lagos undergraduates’ approaches to HIV/AIDS issues?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
H0: University of Lagos undergraduates are not knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS.
H1: University of Lagos undergraduates are relatively knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study intends to inform, educate, sensitise, and enlighten the general public and university undergraduates on HIV/AIDS prevention and management. Similarly, the purpose of this study is to remind the government, tertiary school administration, and non-governmental organisations of the importance of educating the general public and university undergraduates about HIV/AIDS. They are intended to implement initiatives and activities that will help this group attain excellence.
This study will be extremely beneficial to other researchers who want to learn more about this topic, and it may also be used by non-researchers to expand on their work. This study adds to information and may act as a direction for future work or study.
1.7 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
This study focusses on HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs among undergraduates, using the University of Lagos as a case study.
Limitations of study
1. Financial constraint- Insufficient funds tend to restrict the researcher’s efficiency in accessing relevant materials, literature, or information, as well as in data collecting (internet, questionnaire, and interview).
2. Time constraints: The researcher will conduct this study while also working on other academic projects. This will reduce the amount of time spent on research.
1.9 Definition of Terms
HIV/AIDS: AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a syndrome caused by the HIV virus. The sickness affects the immune system, leaving people more susceptible to infections and diseases. The susceptibility worsens as the illness progresses.
HIV is discovered in an infected person’s bodily fluids (semen, vaginal fluids, blood, and breast milk). The virus spreads from one person to another via blood-to-blood and sexual contact. Furthermore, HIV-infected pregnant women can transmit the virus to their offspring during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding.
HIV can be transmitted in a variety of ways, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex, blood transfusions, and contaminated hypodermic needles.
Both the infection and the disease are commonly referred to as HIV/AIDS. People with HIV have what is known as HIV infection. As a result, some individuals will develop AIDS. The development of several opportunistic infections in an AIDS patient can eventually lead to death.
According to studies, HIV’s roots can be traced back to the late nineteenth or early twentieth century in west-central Africa. AIDS and its cause, HIV, were initially discovered and recognised in the early 1980s.
Currently, there is no cure for HIV or AIDS. Treatments can halt the progression of the illness, allowing some affected persons to enjoy a long and generally healthy life.
KNOWLEDGE: Facts, information, and abilities gained through experience or study; a theoretical or practical understanding of a topic.
ATTITUDE: A consistent way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, often reflected in a person’s behaviour.
BELIEF: This is the acceptance that a proposition is correct or that something exists.
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