SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC AND BEHAVIOURAL FACTORS AFFECTING KNOWLEDGE AND HIV TESTING AMONG NIGERIA ATHLETES

Abstract

HIV/AIDS is a major source of concern all over the world as it constitutes a major source of death and a threat to national development. Despite vigorous promotion, knowledge on HIV/AIDS remains just above average with HIV testing services remaining low especially in youths. Also, the highest prevalence of HIV has been reported among youths, a category into which most athletes fall. This necessitates the need for studies to assess athletes' knowledge on HlV/AlDS and identity factors affecting knowledge and to identity those demographic and behavioural factors which hinder HIV testing among athletes. The study was a cross sectional study among 320 athletes participating in the 17th edition of the Nigerian National Sports Festival between 29th June and 11th July in Port Harcourt. A two stage sampling method was used to select respondents to whom questionnaires were administered. Univariate analysis was employed to calculate frequencies and distributions of each variable. Knowledge score was calculated, totaled and converted into percentages and classified into three groups. (Poor knowledge - less than 50%; Good knowledge - 50%-69%; Excellent knowledge - 70% and above). T/F tests, linear regression, chi square and logistic regression were used to test the difference in mean scores as well as identify association and factors affecting knowledge or HIV/AIDS and HIV testing among athletes. A p-value < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. The mean age of the athletes was 29.1years SD 9.3 years while the mean age at sexual debut was 19.9 SD 3.8 years. The mean knowledge or the athletes was 59.1% SD 19.9%. About a quarter of the respondents had poor knowledge (25.9%) followed by those with good knowledge (35.5%) and those with excellent knowledge (38.7%). Factors that affected HlV/AIDS knowledge among athletes include religion (p=0.006), place or residence (0.025) and level of education (0.006). Prevalence of HIV testing was 60.0% with females' ath letes having a slightly higher prevalence (60.2%) compared to male:, (59.9%). After adjusting for other variables, athletes with secondary education and less were about three times less likely to have been tested for HIV than those with tertiary education (OR==0.392, 95%Cl=0.201-0.767). Athletes who knew a facility where they could get a HIV/AIDS test were about five times more likely to have had a HIV test compared to those who did not know where to get a HIV/AIDS test. (OR=4.202, 95%CI= 10556-11.349). The study shows that HIV/AIDS knowledge among athletes is not adequate and is affected by religion, place of residence and level of education. This suggests that athletes' knowledge on HIV/AIDS is mainly influenced by the demographic factors that surround their upbringing. It also identified some factors that prevent HIV testing among athletes. They include having a higher level of education and knowledge or a facility that provides HIV testing services.In view of these findings, strategies should be put in place that incorporate training of athletes in sexual and reproductive health with special regards to HlV/AIDS. Also, HIV testing services should be made readily available to the athletes.