Catching them young: Assessing knowledge and attitude regarding HIV/AIDS among primary school pupils in Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract

CONTEXT
Nigeria has the second heaviest burden of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in Africa. There is growing debate in favor of starting HIV/AIDS education early in life in order to equip pupils with the knowledge and skills to delay sexual debut and to utilize appropriate preventive measures thereafter.
Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitude of primary school pupils regarding HIV/AIDS and to determine their attitude towards People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs).

Materials and Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among primary schools pupils. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 275 respondents in primary four to six. The study utilized multi-stage sampling method.

Results
Out of the 275 respondents recruited, 249 questionnaires were analyzable. Out of the 249 respondents, 116 (46.6%) were males while 133 (53.4%) were females. One hundred and eighty-seven (75.1%) respondents indicated that HIV /AIDS can be contracted through sexual intercourse; 50.1% indicated that it was caused by witches and wizards and 48% indicated that it was due to mosquito bite. More respondents in class six (11.7%) than those in class five (5.2%) and class four (0%) were willing to eat from the same plate with someone with HIV/AIDS. The difference was statistically significant (X2=9.547, df=2, P=0.008). Similarly, more respondents in class six (12.5%) than those in class five (6.4%) and class four (0.4%) indicated that they would live in the same room with someone with HIV/AIDS. The difference was statistically significant (X2=6.605, df=2, P=0.037).

Conclusion
Majority of respondents demonstrated gaps in knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Majority showed evidence of stigmatizing and discriminating attitude towards PLWHAs. Inclusion of HIV/AIDS education in the school curriculum and attitudinal re-orientation is recommended.