Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and sexual behaviour in Nigeria: Does knowledge of HIV/AIDS have implications for risky sexual behaviour among sexually active youths?

Sunday T. Omoyeni, Obafemi Awolowo University
Musa Zakirai, National Population Commission of Nigeria
Opeyemi Fadeyibi, Obafemi Awolowo University

This study examined linkages between knowledge of HIV/AIDS and risky sexual behaviour among unmarried sexually active youths in Nigeria using data from the 2007 National HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey. The study utilized samples of 531 and 339 sexually active male and female youths respectively. Although, there was widespread of HIV/AIDS knowledge among youths(92.5% for males and 85.0% for females), about 99.6% of males and 98.0% of females did not use condom during last sexual intercourse. Also, almost 43% of males had more than one sexual partner compared to about 15.0% of female counterparts. Logistic regression analysis showed that risky sexual behaviour among youths was significantly related to high level of HIV/AIDS knowledge (OR=2.21, CI=0.65-0.87). Despite, the widespread knowledge of HIV/AIDS among youths, risky sexual behaviour is still prevalent. The study, therefore, highlights the need for focused intervention programs for addressing factors predisposing youths to risky sexual behaviour in Nigeria.