Adolescents HIV risk perception and sexual behaviour in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Previous studies on the association between HIV risk perception and sexual behaviour limited classification of risk perception to low and high, and their findings are largely mixed. This study seeks to contribute to knowledge on this association through the inclusion of the reasons why respondents indicate certain risk perceptions in the analysis. Data were generated through a survey conducted among adolescent boys and girls in Lagos Metropolis between December, 2009 and February, 2010. Bivariate and multivariate analyses reveal that at least 70% of both girls and boys perceived that they were at low risk of HIV. Majority of those who perceived they were at high risk of the infection were found more likely to be sexually active and involved in risky sexual behaviours such as multiple sexual partnerships. Higher proportion of boys indicated involvement in virtually all the risky sexual behaviours irrespective of their risk perception and reasons. Interventions should focus on other channels of behaviour change towards curbing HIV among adolescents instead of campaigns to raise the level of risk perception among young people.