Adolescents and HIV-Related Behaviour in Nigeria: Does Knowledge of HIV/AIDS Explain Protective Behaviour among Sexually Active Adolescents?

Sunday T. Omoyeni, Obafemi Awolowo University
Akanni I. Akinyemi, Obafemi Awolowo University and University of the Witwatersrand
Adesegun O. Fatusi, Obafemi Awolowo University

This study examined linkages between knowledge of HIV/AIDS and HIV-related sexual behaviour among adolescents in Nigeria using data from the 2007 National HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey. The study utilized samples on 865 (64% for males and 46% for females) unmarried sexually active adolescents. Although, there was widespread of HIV/AIDS knowledge (78.0% for males and 70.0% for females), less than 2% of male and female adolescents used condom during last sexual intercourse. Almost 43% of male adolescents had more than one sexual partner compared with about 16.0% of female counterparts. Relative to adolescents with low level of knowledge, those with high level of knowledge of HIV/AIDS were less likely to use condom, more likely to receive gifts for sex from unknown sexual partners and more likely to have more than one sexual partners.The study highlights the importance of intensifying programs on HIV/AIDS awareness and preventive measures among adolescents in Nigeria