Knowledge and attitude to HIV voluntary counselling and testing among students in tertiary institutions in delta state, Nigeria

Abstract

The objectives of the study are to (i) assess knowledge of HIV (ii) assess attitudes toward HIV VCT and (iii) determine the relationship between knowledge of HIV and attitudes towards HIV VCT. 2815 students of tertiary educational institutions in Delta State were randomly drawn through a multi-stage sampling technique. With the aid of a structured questionnaire consisting of three sections; respondents‟ socio-demographics, knowledge of HIV, and attitude scale towards HIV VCT, data was gathered. The data was statistically analysed using simple percentages and Pearson product – moment correlation. The results show that (i) respondents had good knowledge of HIV (ii) attitudes towards HIV VCT was negative and (iii) respondents knowledge did not significantly correlates with negative attitudes towards HIV VCT. These results were discussed in the light of past studies related to this study and the subject matter of knowledge – Attitude of HIV VCT. The findings were situated in the health belief model. It was recommended among others, that legislation be passed to ensure compulsory HIV VCT as part of General studies in the schools curriculum. The mass media add campaigns of HIV VCT to the already known A-B-C model of HIV/VCT in Delta State.

Keywords: Nigeria, human immune deficiency virus, voluntary counselling and testing, students