Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi

DISPOSITION TO VOLUNTARY COUNSELING AND TESTING FOR HIV/AIDS AMONG STUDENTS OF OSUN STATE UNIVERSITY, OKUKU CAMPUS, NIGERIA

Lawal, Musediq Olufemi, Ganiyu Rasaq Omokeji & Lanre-Babalola Folake O.

Abstract

Due to the significant increase in student enrollment in Nigerian tertiary institutions, many students now live off campus. The custom of male and female students living together is prevalent. Despite this, attitudes toward and use of voluntary counseling and testing services are abysmally poor, thereby making this study apt. The majority of research findings have shown that different population groups utilize voluntary counseling and testing services at varying rates. Thus, the study investigated how Osun State University students felt about volunteer HIV/AIDS counseling and testing. The theoretical basis of this study was anchored on the health belief model. The study was exploratory and used mixed-methods research. The survey method through the questionnaire and in-depth interviews was used to collect data. A total of 180 students were sampled using the questionnaire while 15 students were interviewed. The quantitative data was analyzed and presented in frequency and simple percentages, while the qualitative data were illustrated in verbatim quotations thematically. The findings show that only 18% of the respondents knew their HIV status, 43% did not know theirs, and the remaining 39% did not respond to this. Data revealed a poor attitude on the part of students toward VCT in spite of the couple's lifestyle among the students. The foregoing therefore calls for renewed efforts towards improving youth awareness about HIV/AIDS, with specific emphasis on (a) the trending cohabitation among unmarried youth and (b) their perceived risk of HIV infection. The necessary recommendations were made accordingly. Keywords: Voluntary.

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