HIV – AIDS Risk Behaviours Among Secondary School Students
(A Case Study Of Enugu North Local Government)
Understanding HIV/AIDS risk behaviors among secondary school students is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to risky behaviors due to factors like peer pressure, curiosity, and lack of comprehensive education. Addressing this issue requires a nuanced approach that considers not only sexual activity but also substance abuse, lack of access to healthcare, and stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. Research indicates that interventions focusing on education, promoting safe sex practices, providing access to condoms and confidential testing services, and fostering supportive environments can mitigate these risks. Engaging parents, teachers, and community leaders in promoting healthy behaviors and challenging misconceptions is also essential. By addressing these diverse factors comprehensively, we can work towards reducing HIV/AIDS transmission among secondary school students and promoting overall well-being.
This study investigates HIV/AIDS risk behaviour among secondary school students in Enugu North Local Government Area. In order to carry out this study effectively (3) three research questions were raised and answered using percentages. This study reviewed literature on the HIV/AIDS risk behavior among students. It was found that most of the causes originate from individual’s health behaviors and way of living. The research design used is survey, and the instrument for the study was questionnaire. The population composed of the entire secondary school student’s in Enugu north local government area.
Title page
Approval page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of content
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
Background of the Study…
Statement of Problem
Purpose of the Study
Research Question
Scope of the Study
CHAPTER TWO
Review of Related Literature
Sexual Activities
Alcohol Consumption…
Drug use
Summary of Literature Review
CHAPTER THREE
Design of the Study
Area of the Study
Population of the Study
Sample and sampling Techniques
Instrument for data Collection
Method of data Collection
Method of data Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR
Data Presentation and Analysis
CHAPTER FIVE
Discussion
Conclusion
Recommendations
References
Appendix A
Background of the Study
By meaning HIV is human immune-deficiency virus, AIDS is acquired immune-deficiency syndrome. HIV and Aids risk behaviors among secondary school student a research topic that seek to investigate the behaviors of secondary school students that increase the spread of this epidermisaids in our society. UN (2000) reported that in 1999 alone 4 million people in sub-Saharan Africa became infected with the human immune-deficiency virus that causes acquired immune-deficiency syndromes. In several African countries, at least half of male currently, at age is will eventually die of aids (UNAIDS).
Hornby (2001) defined risk as the possibility of meeting danger or suffering harm or loss or person on things that is a source of danger. Risk as used in the research topic then can be defined as behaviors by the students that have possibility of causing harm.Behavior that increase chance of spreading and contracting injections as people, or one attitudes and manners; The research will try to pinpoint some behavior of secondary school students that increase the chances of spreading and contractingHIV and AIDS. The joint united nation’s programme on HIV and AIDS shows that, the spread of this epidermis is in a geometric form Jennifer James (1999) observed that sexual-inter-course among the society is a major factor for the spread of this virus. The prevalence of AIDS virus among prostitutes, however, caused renewed concern about the problem of prostitutes in the 1980 support this with authority.
Ezekwe and Awachie (2010) observed that secondary school students behavior, contribute much to the spread of HIV and aids because many secondary students engaged in drug and also get involved in alcohol drinking. They also engage in sexual behaviors, which increase the chances of exposure to HIV and AIDS. Because of the effect of the drugs and alcohol explain they would be a risk factor for HIV and AIDS. Watching of pornographic pictures increases their dense for sex and as a result gets involved in caused unprotected sex. Again watching pornographic films cause secondary school student to in duty in behaviors that lead them into sexual intercourse taking illegal drugs, taking alcohol their reaction will change automatically because of thosesubstance they has putting into their memory. It causes them to behave abnormally. Adolescents are more at risk of this infection, became secondary school students are adolescents, and a study to determine their behavior towards sexuality becomes very important.
Agujiobi (2003) observed that adolescents were a period of confusion, sexual explosion and experimentations. Since HIV infection is associated with sexuality, the observation could increases the adolescents,vulnerability to the epidermis. Again secondary school students are known to be sexually actives. Since risk had been defined as the possibility of meeting danger been defined is the possibility of meeting danger or shuttering harm the students sexual actively may be a potential danger of the harm of aids. In this study the behavior of the secondary school student in the 34 grammar schools in Enugu education zone that could promote the contraction of HIV will be determined. Furthermore, the influence of school type and gender on these students behavior will also be determined.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
There is a big relationship between behavior and health. Behaviorswhich form the focusing of life style are expected to be desirable. However a behavior may reveal or show the presence of difficulties. When a behavior shows the presence of difficulty it becomes a source of possible danger to both the individual and the society.
A risky behavior does not only attract the individual but the society at large. It could be possible that behaviors of secondary school students in Enugu north L.G.A may be deficient of the desired standard.
1.3 Purpose of the Study
The purpose of the study is to investigate the HIV-risk behaviors among secondary school students in Enugu north L.G.A specifically the study aims to:
1. Determine the students sexual activities
2. Determine the students’ alcohol consumption
3. Determine the students’ use of drugs
Significant of the study
The findings of this study would with be useful to education authorities concerned with ensuring the successful ways to stopping those behavior that promote HIV and AIDS should be made.
As this study interestingly seeks to locate those factors effecting students that make them to engage in those behaviours that lead them to promote or increase HIV and AIDS.
World health organization (WHO) and government agencies should create time and also make a program to be available in schools by educating secondary school students’ so they we turn their negative behavior to positive behavior by letting them aware about HIV and AIDS disease.
Enhance teaching and learning to effect desirable change in the behavior of our children concerns about their future and also letting them know about consequence towards their behaviours at the end.
Help to reduce bad behaviours among secondary school students in Enugu educational zone. By telling them to abstain sexual intercourse. Which help to promote HIV and AIDS diseases.
To reduce the rate of HIV and AIDS diseases among secondary school students by giving them enough information concerns about disease of HIV and AIDS, about their life in future and so telling them outcomes of those behaviours can result to the end.
1.4 Research Question
The following research questions have been formulated to aid the study;
1. What are the students’ sexual activities?
2. What is the students’ alcohol consumption?
3. What are the students’ uses of drugs?
1.6 Scope of the study
The content of the study will be three major behaviorsof sexual activity, alcohol consumption and drug use, that promote HIV and AIDS risk exposure. Furthermore, the geographical coverage will be the grammar schools located within Enugu north L.G.A which is made up of 34 communities
HIV – AIDS Risk Behaviours Among Secondary School Students:
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, weakening the body’s ability to fight off infections and diseases. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the final stage of HIV infection, characterized by severe damage to the immune system. HIV is primarily transmitted through specific risk behaviors, and understanding these behaviors among secondary school students is crucial for prevention efforts. Here are some common HIV/AIDS risk behaviors among secondary school students:
- Unprotected Sexual Activity: Engaging in sexual intercourse without using condoms or other barrier methods increases the risk of HIV transmission. Lack of knowledge about safe sex practices, reluctance to use protection, and peer pressure can contribute to this behavior.
- Early Sexual Debut: Initiating sexual activity at a young age is associated with a higher risk of HIV transmission. Students who start having sex early are often less informed about safe sex practices and may lack the communication skills to negotiate condom use with their partners.
- Multiple Sexual Partners: Having multiple sexual partners without practicing safe sex increases the likelihood of HIV transmission. This behavior can be driven by factors such as a desire to fit in, seek validation, or lack of awareness about the risks.
- Substance Abuse: Alcohol and drug use can impair judgment and decision-making, leading to risky sexual behavior. Substance abuse may also lower inhibitions and increase the likelihood of engaging in unprotected sex.
- Lack of Comprehensive Sexual Education: Inadequate or inaccurate sexual education in schools can contribute to risky behaviors among students. A lack of knowledge about HIV transmission, prevention methods, and the importance of regular testing can increase the risk of infection.
- Stigma and Discrimination: Fear of being stigmatized or discriminated against due to their HIV status can deter students from getting tested or seeking medical care. This fear may lead to avoidance of preventive measures and timely treatment.
- Inconsistent Use of Contraception: In addition to protecting against unwanted pregnancies, contraception methods like birth control pills do not prevent HIV transmission. Relying solely on contraception without using condoms or other barrier methods increases the risk of contracting HIV.
- Lack of Access to Healthcare and Testing: Limited access to healthcare facilities and HIV testing centers can prevent students from getting tested and receiving appropriate medical care. Late diagnosis and treatment can worsen the impact of HIV/AIDS.
- Misconceptions and Myths: Believing in misinformation about HIV transmission and prevention can lead to risky behaviors. Students might underestimate their susceptibility to the virus due to misconceptions.
- Peer Pressure and Sociocultural Norms: Peer pressure and societal norms can influence students to engage in risky behaviors, including unprotected sex. The desire to conform to social expectations or fit in with a peer group can override safer choices.
To address these risk behaviors, it’s essential to implement comprehensive and age-appropriate sexual education programs in schools, provide easy access to accurate information about HIV/AIDS, promote condom use, encourage open communication about sexual health, and reduce the stigma associated with HIV testing and treatment. Additionally, involving parents, guardians, and the broader community in these efforts can contribute to a more holistic approach to HIV/AIDS prevention among secondary school students.