Attitudes and Behaviour of Nigerian University Students towards Voluntary HIV Counselling and Testing

Abstract

Despite increased campaign for voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) for HIV/AIDS

in Nigeria only a negligible number of young people participates in this activity. This

study investigates the factors affecting the attitudes and behaviour of students at the

University of Ibadan, which is a microcosm of other universities in the country, as a

way of understanding the context in which apathy towards VCT occurs. The Health

Belief Model and the Theory of Reasoned Action enable the study to highlight the

variables that interact to influence students’ behaviour towards VCT. Data were

collected through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews (IDIs). The survey

involved 400 respondents selected through a multi-stage sampling technique, while 12

IDIs were conducted among undergraduate and postgraduate students identified as

relatively knowledgeable about issues related to VCT – mainly as peer educators. The

findings show that although 95.3% of the students were aware of VCT, only 15% of

them had undertaken voluntary HIV testing. The specific results indicate that there is a

wide gap between intention and action related to VCT. Of the 57.5% respondents who

had discussed VCT and intended to participate in it, only 27.3% actually underwent

VCT. A combination of overconfidence in not being HIV positive, fear of testing

positive to the virus, the perceived non-confidentiality of test results and stigma and

discrimination strongly discourage students from partaking in VCT. The study clearly

indicates the need to bridge the gap between knowledge and behaviour through

vigorous sensitization and enlightenment activities.