Demographic Factors Predicting Knowledge of Hiv/Aids among Undergraduates in A University in Nigeria

Samuel E. Oladipo¹, MalomoBolajoko ^I.2, Ishmael Kalule-Sabiti¹ 
(1. Population Training and Research Unit, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), South Africa; 2. Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Nigeria)

Abstract: Young people have been globally identified as most vulnerable to risky behaviors including HIV/AIDS hence the high prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS infection among them. Researchers have however linked knowledge to behavioral change; therefore this present study investigated demographic variables as predictors of knowledge of HIV/AIDS among tertiary institution students in Nigeria. A total of 572 respondents were purposively sampled for the purpose of this study (316 female and 276 male). Of the total sample, 189 were from the Polytechnic, 197 from college of education and 186 from University. These were conveniently sampled from these institutions for the purpose of the study. Validated scales were used and results showed a significant positive relationship between gender and Institution of learning (r = .146**); knowledge of HIV/AIDS (r = .113**). There is also a significant positive relationship between respondents’ religion and institution of learning (r = .159**). There was no significant gender difference in the knowledge of HIV/AIDS. (M = 29.81; 30.46, t = -2.71, p > .05). But there was a significant difference in knowledge of HIV/AIDS based on respondents’ institution of learning [F (2, 1) = 14.06, p = 0.000]. Post hoc test showed mean score for students in the college of education (M = 31.02, SD = 2.45) was significantly different from students from university (M = 29.72, SD = 2.67) and polytechnic (M = 29.73, SD = 3.19). Thus students in colleges of education are significantly more knowledgeable in HIV/AIDS compared to their counterparts. It was concluded that the need for more awareness creation on the knowledge of HIV/AIDS on university and polytechnic campuses cannot be overemphasized.

Key words: college, university, knowledge, HIV/AIDS, sex workers, undergraduates, tertiary institutions