HIV/AIDS Behavioural Challenges in Lagos State Schools: An Empirical Study

This paper evaluates the extent of the behavioural challenges concerning HIV/AIDS among senior secondary school (SSS) and tertiary institution students in Lagos, Nigeria. The study, part of a large research project evaluating knowledge-based HIV/AIDS education initiatives in Lagos, has been carried out in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Education. Questionnaires (n=958 copies) were administered to selected senior secondary schools in the Lagos State administrative divisions (urban and rural) and the Lagos State University (LASU). The study aimed to record information about students’ behaviour related to HIV/AIDS as this would provide information relating to the factors responsible for its transmission. This included (a) behavioural change information – BCI, (b) sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and clinical understanding (c) sexual activities (d) condom use and (e) fear of HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination (HASD). The results show that the behaviour of the respondents with regard to HIV/AIDS puts them at risk of contracting the virus. We conclude by suggesting the use of Knowledge Management (KM) techniques as an appropriate modern approach to tackling the problem and that the availability of behavioural change communication (BCC) materials in all Lagos State schools should be increased