Abstract:
Background: Young people are vulnerable to HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
as they significantly contribute to new HIV infections in Nigeria and sub‑Saharan Africa. HIV
counseling and testing (HCT) provides an opportunity for increased awareness, prevention,
treatment, care, and support for HIV/AIDS and contributes to the prevention and control of HIV/
AIDS. Objective: This study aims to determine the HIV/AIDS awareness, knowledge of methods
of prevention and transmission of HIV/AIDS, HIV status of sexual partner, and willingness to go
for HIV/AIDS counseling and testing (HCT) among young people in Oluku Community, Ovia
North East, local government, Edo State, South South, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was
a descriptive cross‑sectional study conducted between January and June, 2013, using multistage
sampling method. Data were collected using interviewer‑administered questionnaire adapted from
the 2007 National HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey (NARHS) plus. Results: A total
of 400 young people participated in this study; their mean age was 17.8 years (3.9 years). There
were more females (211 [52.8%]) than males (189 [47.3%]). Majority (92.3%) of the young
people were aware of HIV/AIDS; most heard of it via electronic media (81%), peers (63.5%), and
parents (55.5%). Majority knew the methods of transmission of HIV/AIDS as having multiple sexual
partners (80.0%), sharing sharps (78.3%), blood transmission (71.5%), and having unprotected
sex (69.8%). Abstinence (50.1%) and condom use (37.8%) and faithfulness to partner (5.3%)
were the methods practiced by most young people to prevent disease transmission and pregnancy.
Most (61.9%) of the young people did not know the HIV/AIDS status of their partners before sexual
intercourse. More than two‑thirds (68.0%) had never gone for HCT, however majority (73.0%) of
them were willing to go for HCT. Conclusion and Recommendations: Most young people were
aware of HIV/AIDS and the methods of transmission, whereas more than two‑thirds had never gone
for HCT. However, majority of them were willing to go for HCT. Efforts should be geared toward
improving access to HCT services by using stand‑alone, mobile/outreach, and health facility‑based
HCT centers and community enlightenment on the importance of avoiding premarital sex and their
roles in reducing HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infection transmission.
