SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND KNOWLEDGE OF HIV/AIDS AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OKPEKPE COMMUNITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health problem among adolescents and young adults in Nigeria and globally. The aim of the study was to determine the sexual behaviour and knowledge of HIV/AIDS among adolescents in a rural secondary school in Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 290 senior secondary school students enrolled in the only secondary school in Okpekpe, a rural community in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State were recruited and interviewed for this study. All the participants gave informed consent and were interviewed with structured researcher administered questionnaire. The participants comprised of 154 (53.1%) males and 136 (46.1%) females, aged between 12-38 years (mean age of 17.9±2.9 years). Of the 290 students, 256 (88.3%) were aware of HIV/AIDS. Only, 102 (39.8%) of the participants had a good knowledge of HIV/AIDS and 164 (64.6%) had poor knowledge of risky sexual behaviour. One hundred and forty one (48.6%) reported having had sexual intercourse with the mean age of sexual debut being 15.9±2.6 years. Sixty (42.6%) of the sexually active students reportedly did not use condom during sexual intercourse. The study further revealed the need to promote sexual and reproductive health among young people especially of school age in both rural and urban areas through school and community based education and activities