ASSESSMENT ON THE LEVEL OF AWARENESS OF HIV/AIDS

ASSESSMENT ON THE LEVEL OF AWARENESS OF HIV/AIDS

ABSTRACT

This research work focuses on the assessment of the level of awareness of HIV/AIDS among University of Lagos undergraduate students: Implication for Counselling. The study was carried out among the undergraduate students of University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos.

The study seeked to find out if there would be significant difference between male and female undergraduate level of awareness of HIV/AIDS, if there would be a significant effect of religion on the level of undergraduate awareness of HIV/AIDS and also significant effect of age on the level of undergraduate awareness of HIV/AIDS.

The study was conducted using a sample size of one hundred and twenty (120) students from within the University campus, male (60) and female (60) between the ages of 17 – 20, 21 an above, the respondents were also Muslims and Christians.

The data collected was analysed using t-test and the findings showed that there would be a significant difference between male and female undergraduate level of awareness of HIV/AIDS. It was also discovered that there would be a significant effect of religion and age on the level of undergraduate awareness of HIV/AIDS.

A well structured questionnaire was administered on the respondents to collect information on the knowledge of transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS and sexual practices among undergraduate students. Twenty five questions were designed to elicit information about HIV/AIDS. The low level of awareness among the female undergraduate students was highlighted while ways of increasing the level of awareness among them were also highlighted such as HIV/AIDS awareness campaign day as part of the recommendations.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

The Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the human imunedeficiency virus (HIV), which destroys the cells in the body that combats infections. Although, recent medical advances have caused a shift from the mindset of a terminal disease to one of a chronic manageable conditions in some areas of the world. This new approach brings challenges of its own, as the disease is eventually fatal (Forri et al, 1997).

HIV has brought about a global epidemic far more extensive than what was predicted even a decade ago. The issue of HIV/AIDS is not only relevant to medical documentation, but is complex and highly politically charged, affecting all communities regardless of race, age or sexual orientation (Ginsberg, 1995). At the end of the year 2000, it was estimated that there were 36.1 million adults and children living with HIV/AIDS, the vast majority of whom live in the developing world, with more than twenty five million living in the continent of Africa (Global Summary of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic, 2000 and 2001).

ASSESSMENT ON THE LEVEL OF AWARENESS OF HIV/AIDS