Abstract
BACKGROUND: Attitudes and beliefs regarding HIV among adolescents and young adults (AYA) may influence practices that increase the risk of HIV transmission. The study aimed to determine the attitudes and beliefs regarding HIV among senior secondary students and their sexual practices. METHODOLOGY: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study that involved 1,200 adolescents and young adults (AYA) aged 14-24 years in senior secondary schools in Abakaliki. Information was obtained using a two-part pre-tested questionnaire that tested attitudes and beliefs regarding HIV using a 6-item questionnaire and another part sought information on biodata and sexual practices. The p-value of < 0.05 was statistically significant. RESULTS: The median (IQR) age of participants was 16.0 (9.0) years, and the majority (64.4%, 773/1,200) were females with a male-to-female ratio of 1.0: 1.8. Seven hundred and thirty (60.8%) had positive attitudes and beliefs towards HIV. Although 628 (52.3%) were willing to be tested for HIV, only 25.6% (307/1,200) have ever been tested for HIV. Three hundred and fifty-five (29.6%) of them had engaged in sexual activities, of which 145 (12.1%) had multiple sexual partners. There were significant relationships between attitude, beliefs, and age ((χ(2)= 39.69. p = <0.001), willingness to test for HIV (χ(2) = 10.20. p= 0.002), and having multiple sexual partners (χ(2)= 5.49, p= 0.019). CONCLUSION: Positive attitudes and beliefs regarding HIV were high but were not reflected in their practices. Sustained efforts toward effective HIV-related health education in schools and improved adolescent-friendly health services where HIV screening is readily accessible are recommended.