A study on existing knowledge about AIDS among undergraduates of a Nigerian University

This study, carried out during August-October, 1991, involved 236 respondents to a questionnaire designed to determine awareness and attitudes to AIDS and the consequent effect of such awareness on their sexual behaviour. Almost all the medical students were aware of the existence of the disease, while a few (3.8 per cent) of the non-medicos believed that it had not yet reached Nigeria. Most students i.e. 98 per cent and 97 per cent of these respective groups were aware of carrier state of the disease. Only a small percentage of students, mostly medics knew about the exact signs and symptoms of clinical AIDS. The level of knowledge about the modes of transmission of AIDS was found to be adequate. With regard to the effect of this awareness on their behaviour, it was known that a good number of medics (30.37) per cent and non-medics (28.88) per cent had started using condoms. About 40 per cent medicos, and 45 per cent non-medicos revealed an aversion to sit near a person with AIDS thus emphasizing the stigma associated with the disease. Regarding control of AIDS, many felt there should be strict isolation of HIV positive individuals along with a ban on prostitution and homosexuality.