The Influence of Parental Occupation and Parental Marital Status on Perception of HIV/AIDS Pandemic among Secondary School Students in Calabar Education Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the degree to which parental occupation and marital status of parents influence perception of HIV/AIDS pandemic among secondary school students in Calabar Education Zone. Ever since the advent of HIV/AIDS, several attempts and campaigns have been made by international bodies, agencies, the government, etc., to curtail and subdue the effect of the deadly disease. This attempt has made many to know the magnitude of danger the virus possesses to human life. However, in spite of these attempts, some students find it difficult to acknowledge and believe that HIV/AIDS exist. Perception of HIV/AIDS in this context, refers to the awareness students has about causes, mode of transmission, prevention, and treatment, especially intuitively on HIV/AIDS. The main purpose of this study was to determine the influence of parental occupation and marital status of parents on perception of HIV/AIDS pandemic among secondary school students in Calabar Education Zone. The population of this study was made up of all the SS1, 2, and 3 Students and 1,200 students selected randomly as the sample for this study. Data was collected using was a facts finding questionnaire titled family variables and students perception of HIV/AIDS’ (FVSPA). Major findings after analysis were thus; parental occupation has significant influence on students’ perception of HIV/AIDs. Parental marital status has significant influence on students’ perception of HIV/AIDs. It was recommended that Parents should, against all odds carve out time daily or weekly to have an interactive session with their children in order to address the myths surrounding not just HIV/AIDs, but other relevant health issues. Parents should also create a conducive environment for their children to thrive and not complicate issues by living in chaos which can predispose the children to a host of negative thinking and perceptions.