AN EVALUATION OF STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTIONS, AND ATTITUDES TOWARD HIV/AIDS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ASABA, DELTA STATE

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the resulting Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remain serious global public health challenges. These conditions are currently incurable, necessitating proactive and sustained preventive interventions to curb their spread. Despite diverse global strategies employed to reduce HIV/AIDS transmission, the disease continues to proliferate at an alarming rate (Aanu & Olatoye, 2011). Among vulnerable populations, secondary school students constitute a strategic demographic, particularly given their increased risk due to early sexual initiation and general lack of awareness. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS, 2004a:93), nearly half of the world’s population is under the age of 25, making today’s youth the largest in recorded history. As reported by UNAIDS, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organization (WHO) (2002:6), this youth demographic has inherited a devastating epidemic that is not only endangering their own lives but also those of their families, peers, educators, and communities. Adolescents are simultaneously the most susceptible group—accounting for approximately half of all new HIV infections—and the most vital resource in reversing the global HIV/AIDS trajectory (UNAIDS, 2004a:93). The behaviors they adopt, particularly sexual behaviors, will significantly influence the direction of the epidemic. These behaviors are inextricably linked to their level of knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS. While global efforts continue to aim at mitigating the spread and consequences of HIV, the epidemic persists, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it remains a dominant health crisis with severe socio-economic implications. The increasing infection rates and ongoing expansion of the disease in this region highlight the need for intensified focus on behavioral and social research, in addition to biological studies, to address the epidemic effectively. Despite being more than two decades into the HIV/AIDS crisis, a large proportion of youth continue to lack comprehensive awareness of sexual risks and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Although general awareness of AIDS exists, many young individuals remain misinformed about its modes of transmission and underestimate their personal vulnerability (UNICEF/UNAIDS/WHO, 2002:6). Effective prevention, treatment, and care strategies depend heavily on informed individuals who understand the risks of HIV and are aware of their own status. Against this backdrop, this study aims to explore the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of senior secondary school students in Asaba, Nigeria, concerning HIV/AIDS education. 1.2 Statement of the Problem The HIV/AIDS pandemic stands as the most significant health crisis confronting the world today. What began as a health issue has evolved into a multifaceted socio-economic and developmental catastrophe. Since its identification in 1981, over 65 million people have been infected with HIV, and more than 25 million have died from AIDS-related complications. Alarmingly, a disproportionate number of new infections occur among individuals aged 15 to 24, indicating the vulnerability of youth across different regions (Aanu & Olatoye, 2011). According to a UNAIDS report, by the close of 2000, approximately 39.5 million individuals were living with HIV/AIDS globally, including 2.3 million children and 17.7 million women. That same year, 4.3 million new infections were recorded, of which 530,000 involved children. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most heavily affected region, with 25.7 million people living with HIV/AIDS, including 2.1 million children. Countries with high prevalence rates face extreme challenges as the epidemic severely affects life expectancy and overwhelms healthcare systems (Aboki et al., 2014). The spread of HIV/AIDS exacerbates poverty, undermines national development, disrupts social cohesion, and burdens healthcare infrastructures. It also leaves countless children orphaned and unprotected due to insufficient social support systems. If not effectively addressed, the epidemic threatens to undermine Africa’s socio-economic development, thereby hampering progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and derailing commitments made under the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) to advance the continent’s growth and poverty alleviation initiatives (Aboki et al., 2014). The societal burden of HIV/AIDS on individuals, families, and the Nigerian state is profound. In Nigeria, AIDS is currently the leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 60, a critical segment of the national workforce. This reality poses serious developmental challenges, as the disease continues to affect the productivity and sustainability of the nation’s labor force. 1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY I.   To investigate the awareness level of HIV/AIDS among secondary school students. II.    To explore the sources of education regarding HIV/AIDS of secondary students in Asaba. III. To assess the attitude of secondary school students in Asaba towards HIV/AIDS. 1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS I.       What is the awareness level of HIV/AIDS among secondary school students? II.    What are the sources of education regarding HIV/AIDS for secondary students in Asaba? III. What is the attitude of secondary school students in Asaba towards HIV/AIDS? 1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES H0: Student education does not have an impact on their perception and attitude towards hiv/aids in secondary schools in Asaba, Delta State Ha: Student education does have an impact on their perception and attitude towards hiv/aids in secondary schools in Asaba, Delta State 1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY Despite intensive preventive efforts and widespread public awareness, HIV/AIDS continues to spread, posing a public health concern. This study is significant because it identifies HIV/AIDS prevention education, attitude, and perception among preparatory school students, which clearly shows the gap and aids all concerned bodies in considering how to reduce the mortality and prevalence of HIV/AIDS disease among highly active age groups. As a result, the research will be useful in giving information on HIV/AIDS preventive knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions among Asaba secondary school students. This will serve as a starting point for policymakers and health-related organizations to develop strategies. 1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY The research focused on evaluate Students’ Knowledge, Perceptions, and Attitudes Toward HIV/AIDS in Secondary Schools in Asaba, Delta State. The case study was Ika south local government in Asaba, Delta state, Nigeria. 1.8 LIMITATION OF STUDY Since the questionnaire was self-administered, the research had limitations, including the possibility of social desirability bias. The anonymity of the surveys, on the other hand, should encourage students to be truthful in their answers. Moreover, the research was unable to cover all geographical regions. Despite these limitations, we think that this study may be a useful resource for academics and policymakers. 1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS   Perception: the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses. Attitude: a settled way of thinking or feeling about something. hiv/aids: HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Secondary schools: a school intermediate between elementary school and college and usually offering general, technical, vocational, or college-preparatory courses.