Abstract

The rising prevalence of HIV among young people in Nigeria is of great concern. This study was to assess HIV-related knowledge and attitude among secondary school students in Ota, South Western Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey of 441 students from three prominent and well attended secondary schools located in Ota. A self-administered questionnaire elicited information on demography, HIVIAIOS knowledge, source of HIV information, and attitudes towards HIV and PLHA. Response rate was 98% (441/450). Participants age ranges between 13 and 17 years (mean = 15.67; SO= 1.56). About 57% are in the 13-15 years age group. There was a proportionate gender distribution of respondents (male 221/fema/e 220). The respondents' overall mean H/V/A/0$ knowledge score was 64.912. This was fairly high though with some misconceptions especially about MTCT. Participants displayed negative attitude towards HIV and PLHA. The leading source of information was the electronic media (radio and television 89%168%); minor sources include family members {63%) and HIV posters/billboards (63%). This study found a significant difference in the attitude of participants based on gender (t = 3.202, p 0.05). The study found no significant difference in HIV knowledge by gender (t =.940, p>0.05) and age (t = 1.223, p>0.05). Interventions that will promote H/V related information should be incorporated by institutions of learning, religious bodies, family members and health professionals are to assist young people in Nigeria to become more aware of issues surrounding Nas concluded that urgent attention must be.tx:.t.Js&r: oo - and enlightenment.