HIV/AIDS Awareness Study of Fresh Students in Tertiary Institutions in Rivers State of Nigeria

This study examined the knowledge, attitude and preventive practices (KAP) of 285 first year University of Port-Harcourt students regarding HIV/AIDS, in December 2002. Data was collected using structured questionnaires administered by two trained interviewers. Students had partial knowledge of the definition of HIV/AIDS, the mode of transmission, prevention and cure. Only 56.1% were concerned about contracting the virus although 70.2% had had sex, 57.0% had had sex without condom and 42.1% had had multiple sex partners. Similarly, 82.5% believed HIV/AIDS was in their institution but majority, 86.0%, had never tested for HIV. There is urgent need for more education, counseling and testing for HIV in order to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in tertiary institutions due to ignorance and risky behaviours.