14th International AIDS Conference Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. D11110)

Jagha TO
Association for Reproductive and Family Health, Ibadan, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Despite the multiplicity of HIV/AIDS sensitization and enlightenment campaigns by various government and non-government agencies, adolescents in peripheral cities like Ijede with population estimated at 100,000 still lack full knowledge of, though they are aware of advertisements and radio talks regarding, the HIV epidemic in Nigeria; which is estimated at 5.8% at 2001.

METHODS: Focus group discussions were conducted separately with 4 groups of out-of-school, hard to reach, male and female adolescents, and 120 semi-structured questionnaires administered to male and female adolescents.

RESULTS: Though awareness of reproductive health appears high, 92% know others who have aborted, and one-fifth (23%) have themselves had abortions. 14% do not know when safe period is, and one-fifth don't know what ovulation means. Three-quarters know others who have had STIs, and over one-third still visit herbalists for treatment. Almost all have heard of STIs/HIV/AIDS, and know modes of transmission, however, knowledge of signs and symptoms are low (mean 17%). One-quarter do not think it likely to get STI/HIV through sex without condoms, though majority (95%) indicate condoms the best form of protection.

CONCLUSIONS: Out-of-school adolescents need special programs target, they are less educated and have access to less information except what is circulated generally which they rarely understand. STIs/HIV risks and prevention strategies should be part of a larger Life planning education targeted at this group.

020707
D11110

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