Urban-Rural Differentials in HIV/AIDS Knowledge of Nigerian Senior Secondary School Students
Olabode Ayodele, Olagoke M. Ayodele

Abstract
Modification of risk behaviors remains an integral part of HIV prevention strategies. However, knowledge of the disease is an important prerequisite for behavior change. In this study, we assessed urban-rural differences in HIV/AIDS knowledge of senior secondary school students in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A cross sectional study of 372 students was conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to describe variables of interest and one-way analysis of variance was used to assess differences in the HIV/AIDS knowledge mean scores. Overall, the level of HIV/AIDS knowledge was relatively high. Nevertheless, the results revealed high level of misconceptions regarding preventive measures, modes of transmission and treatment. Our results showed significant urban-rural and gender differences in students’ HIV/AIDS knowledge. Urban students had higher mean scores, indicating higher level of HIV/AIDS knowledge (M=14.1; SD=3.4 vs. M=11.4; SD=3.7; P < 0.001). Urban female students had higher knowledge mean score (M=14.2; SD=3.1) compared with their male counterparts (M=13.8; SD=3.7) and both sexes in rural schools (Male: M= 10.6; SD=3.8; Female: M=12.0; SD=3.6). There were urban-rural differences in students’ HIV/AIDS knowledge. The results suggest there is greater need in rural areas for programs focusing on the knowledge gap and clarifying areas of misconceptions both in rural and urban areas.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijhs.v4n3a6