KNOWLEDGE, RISK BEHAVIOURS AND USE OF HIV COUNSELLING AND TESTING SERVICES AMONG KOGI STATE POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS, LOKOJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

In Nigeria, students in institutions of higher learning are at great risk of HIV infection. Although HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) is an effective approach to HIV prevention, not much has been documented about the perceptions and utilisation of HCT services among students in tertiary institution. In addition, HIV related risk practices among students have not been fully explored. This study was therefore designed to determine the level of knowledge, risk behaviours and use of HCT services among Kogi State Polytechnic students, Lokoja. A three-stage random sampling technique was used to select 660 students from the two campuses of Kogi State Polytechnic located at Lokoja and Osara. A self-administered questionnaire which included a 17-point AIDS knowledge scale as well as a 16-point HCT Knowledge Scale was used for data collection. Eight Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were used to collect qualitative data. The questionnaire and FGD guide were also used to collect data on risk behaviours and pattern of use of HCT services. Descriptive Chi-square and t-test statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data at 5% level of significance while content analysis was done in respect of the qualitative data. The respondents mean age was 22.8 ± 3.3 years and 62.0% were males. The correctly listed symptoms of AIDS included persistent cough (62.6%). frequent fevers (46.8%), and unusual skin rashes (42.0%.). The mean knowledge score on AIDS was 11.1± 3.2 out of a maximum score of 17. Slightly above half (52.8%) had heard about HCT and their mean knowledge score on HCT was 3.9 ± 4.5 out of a maximum score of 16. The mean scores for males and females were 4.2 ± 4.5 and 3.4 ± 4.3 respectively, with a significant difference. The students in the Higher National Diploma programme had a significantly higher HCT mean knowledge score (5.7 ± 5.2) than those in the Ordinary National Diploma programme (3.6±4.3). The HIV-related risk practices among the students included concurrent multiple sexual partnership (16.2%), unprotected sex (12.6%) and sharing of skin-piercing equipment (5.8%). Majority (66.2%) of the respondents (270 males, 167 females) had ever had sexual intercourse and of this, 64.5% had sex within the three months preceding the study. Among the students who were sexually active 68.4% used condom in their last sexual experience and the reasons given for non-use of condom by respondents during their last sexual intercourse included mutual fidelity (29.9%) and being negative in their previous HIV test (12.0%). Of the 5.8% respondents who had ever injected psychoactive drugs, 43.2% had ever shared needles with someone thus creating opportunity for HIV infection. Few students comprising 59 (8.9%) males and 37 (5.6%) females had ever received HCT services and many respondents (47.7%) were willing to receive the services if given the opportunity. Most of the FGD discussants disclosed that a large number of students indulge in sexual intercourse on campus and yet many of them dislike the use of condom. Many discussants also revealed that some female students of the institution exchange sex for money, a practice that put them at higher risk of HIV infection. There are HIV-related risk practices, gaps in knowledge and low level of utilization of HIV Counselling and Testing among the respondents. Peer -education and public enlightenment are needed to address these concerns.