title: The influence of knowledge and sociodemographics on AIDS perception and sexual practices among secondary school students in Nigeria.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Recent trends show a disproportionate increase in new incidences of HIV infection among teenagers compared to other population segments.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study assessed secondary school students' perception of AIDS epidemic, and the influence of sociodemographic variables and AIDS knowledge on their perception and sexual practices.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nigerian teenagers (N=1143) were surveyed using a questionnaire that elicited information on their demographics, AIDS knowledge, perceptions and previous encounter with survivors, and sexual practices.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although AIDS epidemic was not a serious issue of concern to a substantial number of the students, they were knowledgeable on AIDS, and their perceptions on AIDS epidemics influenced their sexual practices. Female teenagers were more knowledgeable and concerned, and more frequently reported inexperience with sexual intercourse compared to their male counterparts.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  AIDS education and campaigns that foster the internalization of the seriousness of AIDS epidemics and arouse concern about them could enhance safe sexual practices among the youths.
authors.affiliation: Hunter College Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA. oyeyemia@nychhc.org
authors.forename: Y A
authors.initials: YA
authors.lastname: Oyeyemi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abdulkarim
authors.forename: B O
authors.initials: BO
authors.lastname: Oyeyemi
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000523:psychology; D009549:Nigeria; D021841:Safe Sex; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013334:Students