CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) and the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) it causes are both life-threatening diseases for which there is now no treatment, necessitating the immediate implementation of preventative measures to halt the pande Various methods have been used throughout the globe to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS, yet the disease continues to spread at an alarming pace. Secondary school students are a valuable resource for reaching out to vulnerable populations, particularly the sexually active and those who are new to the world of sexual activity. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS 2004a:93), today's youth population is the greatest in history, with almost half of the world's population under the age of 25. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS/United Nations Children Emergency Fund/World Health Organization (UNICEF/UNAIDS/WHO 2002:6), today's kids have inherited a deadly legacy that is killing them, their friends, siblings and sisters, parents, teachers, Young people are both the most vulnerable (accounting for half of all new HIV infections) and the most hopeful for reversing the tide against HIV/AIDS worldwide (UNAIDS 2004a:93). As a result, their actions, whether sexual or otherwise, will decide the HIV/AIDS epidemic's destiny. These actions will be heavily influenced by their correct information, beliefs, and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS. While incredible efforts are being made to reduce the spread of HIV and its consequences, the AIDS epidemic continues unabated, claiming millions of lives across the globe, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The increasing prevalence rates and fast expansion of HIV/AIDS indicate that the epidemic has not yet achieved equilibrium in much of SSA, necessitating further study and initiatives into methods to reduce the disease's spread and severe social and economic consequences. The epidemic's spreading and severe socioeconomic effects have prompted a change in study emphasis from biological to social aspects of sexual behavior and HIV/AIDS. Despite the fact that the HIV/AIDS pandemic has been going on for more than two decades, the overwhelming majority of young people are still unaware of the dangers of sex and sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). Despite the fact that the majority of people have heard of AIDS, many are unaware of how it spreads and do not think they are in danger (UNICEF/UNAIDS/WHO 2002:6). Many HIV prevention, treatment, and care strategies need that individuals have a thorough awareness of the pandemic and are aware of their HIV status. The present research aims to learn more about HIV/AIDS education, views, and attitudes among senior secondary school students in Asaba, Nigeria.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The HIV/AIDS epidemic is the world's greatest health catastrophe. HIV has obviously progressed from a health and psychological problem to an economic and developmental catastrophe. HIV has infected about 65 million individuals to date, while AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since its discovery in 1981. Furthermore, new infections are disproportionately concentrated among young individuals (15-24) in many parts of the globe. According to the UN AIDS report, about 39.5 million individuals were living with HIV/AIDS by the end of 2000, including 2.3 million children and 17.7 million women. There were 4.3 million new infections, with 530,000 children among them.
With 25.7 million people living with HIV/AIDS, Sub-Saharan Africa is by far the most impacted by the epidemic. There are 2.1 million children among them.
The sick and dying are overwhelming in high incidence nations, which are seeing significant reductions in life expectancy. HIV/AIDS exacerbates family poverty, affects development, social cohesion, political stability, food security, and life expectancy, and puts a terrible economic burden on already stretched public health systems and millions of orphaned children frequently without sufficient social safety nets. Without effective control of its spread and impact, the epidemic will stifle human and economic development on the continent, contradicting the millennium development goals and the new partnership for African development (NEPAD) commitments to propel Africa forward into a new era of development and poverty reduction
The societal cost of HIV/AIDS to individuals, families, and Nigeria as a whole can not be understated; AIDS is the top cause of mortality in the 15-60 age range in Nigeria. Because so many of the region's working people are afflicted by the illness, this has huge consequences for the region's development.
1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
I. To investigate the awareness level of HIV/AIDS among secondary school students.
II. To explore the sources of education regarding HIV/AIDS of secondary students in Asaba.
III. To assess the attitude of secondary school students in Asaba towards HIV/AIDS.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
I. What is the awareness level of HIV/AIDS among secondary school students?
II. What are the sources of education regarding HIV/AIDS for secondary students in Asaba?
III. What is the attitude of secondary school students in Asaba towards HIV/AIDS?
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Despite intensive preventive efforts and widespread public awareness, HIV/AIDS continues to spread, posing a public health concern. This study is significant because it identifies HIV/AIDS prevention education, attitude, and perception among preparatory school students, which clearly shows the gap and aids all concerned bodies in considering how to reduce the mortality and prevalence of HIV/AIDS disease among highly active age groups. As a result, the research will be useful in giving information on HIV/AIDS preventive knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions among Asaba secondary school students. This will serve as a starting point for policymakers and health-related organizations to develop strategies.
1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The research focused on the evaluation of student education, perception and attitude towards hiv/aids in secondary schools. The case study was Ika south local government in Asaba, Delta state, Nigeria.
1.7 LIMITATION OF STUDY
Since the questionnaire was self-administered, the research had limitations, including the possibility of social desirability bias. The anonymity of the surveys, on the other hand, should encourage students to be truthful in their answers. Moreover, the research was unable to cover all geographical regions. Despite these limitations, we think that this study may be a useful resource for academics and policymakers.
1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Perception: the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses.
Attitude: a settled way of thinking or feeling about something.
hiv/aids: HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
Secondary schools: a school intermediate between elementary school and college and usually offering general, technical, vocational, or college-preparatory courses.
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