Abstract

HIV/AIDS, a disease first mentioned in 1981 has remained the most stigmatized illness especially in sub Saharan Africa. To assess the knowledge and effect of the large pool of information on HIV/AIDS in the lives of teenagers. A total of 1748 male and female students aged 15 to19 years in 12 secondary schools in Port Harcourt and Calabar randomly selected were used for this study between May and December 2009. A self administered questionnaire comprising 18 multiple choice questions was developed for the study. Among the 1748 participants general knowledge on HIV/AIDS was high (79.9%). Less than 15% acknowledge its presence in semen and vaginal secretions though a greater than 74% believe HIV/AIDS is transmitted through sex. Condom use is low (15.7% females and 33.3% males). More girls (56.4%) prefer to abstain from sex until marriage than boys (34.9%). Only 38% agreed to voluntary HIV testing. Only 37.8% females and 26.2% males would support and care for friends and relations who are HIV-positive, would not spread the infection and would seek medical advise for themselves if infected. Information on HIV/AIDS should be encouraged. The youths should be targeted. This will reduce the prevalence.

20-22

Key words: HIV/AIDS, gender differences, students, Niger Delta, Nigeria.