Effect of education on knowledge level of HIV/AIDS and risk-related behaviours among Nigerian army personnel in Enugu

Abstract

Introduction: HIV/AIDS is one of the leading health problems in developing countries and the campaign against it cannot be overemphasized. Several interventions are therefore needed to limit its spread and scourge. The uniformed men especially the military are believed to have a high transmission rate of HIV.
Aims and Objectives: This study was initiated to determine the effect of education on knowledge level, risk-related behaviours and source of information for army personnel in Enugu about HIV/AIDS.
Materials and Methods: A total of 299 army personnel from different departments of 82 Division Nigerian Army Headquarters Enugu were selected randomly to participate in the study in 2007 by completing our anonymous structured questionnaire with informed consent.
Results: Of the respondents, 81.2% males, 18.8% females, 78.9% attained secondary education and above majority of which were low ranking army personnel (below the rank of lieutenant). A total of 54.8% were married, whereas 44.5% and 0.7% were single and divorced respectively. Only 3.3% had not heard of HIV/AIDS.
The main source of information about HIV/AIDS was radio, though those with primary education got more information from friends and home (p<0.05) when compared to those with secondary education and above, there was high knowledge level.
Conclusions: Educational attainment and knowledge level had no influence on risk behaviours; further study is therefore needed to identify the motivating factors behind this.

Key words: HIV/AIDS, army personnel, Enugu, risk behaviour, knowledge level information.