Sexual Characteristics and Knowledge ofAdolescent Hawkers about HIV/AIDS in Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescent street hawkers working in the informal sector in Nigeria are becoming increasingly exposed to the risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. The objective of this study is to determine the sexual characteristics and knowledge of hawkers concerning HIV/AIDS. Methodology: This study is a descriptive cross – sectional survey carried out in Ilorin among adolescent hawkers aged 11 – 19 years. All adolescent hawkers in six selected auto-parks and markets in Ilorin were recruited until the desired sample size of 312 respondents was obtained. The sample size was determined using Fischer’s Formula. Semi-structured, pre-tested interviewer – administered questionnaire was used for data collection and entered into Epi-Info computer software for analysis. Frequency tables and cross-tabulation of variables were done and P-value <0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. Result: All the respondents have heard about HIV/AIDS. About half of the hawkers (48.8%) knew the causative agents of HIV/AIDs while 83.4% demonstrated correct knowledge in ways of contracting the infection. Almost all the hawkers 309 (97%) had not gone for HIV/AIDS test. Hawkers that have ever had sexual intercourse were 31.9%. Of those that had sexual intercourse, 24.5% ever used condom. Of those that used condom, 24.0% used it always while 76.0% do not use it always. Conclusion & Recommendations: Unprotected adolescent sexual intercourse is high among hawkers, with a background low HIV screening status. There is need for a societal re-orientation on the hazards of hawking as it relates to sexual hazards. There is need to carry out health education intervention on the causes and ways to prevent HIV/AIDS among the hawkers to bridge the knowledge gap.