VOLUNTARY HIV COUNSELLING AND TESTING (VCT): A SURVEY OF ADOLESCENTS IN A NIGERIAN HIGH SCHOOL

Abstract

Reduction in the rate of new HIV infection is a global priority that is particularly relevant to Africa, and to Nigeria in particular as the second leading country in HIV in the world. This quantitative descriptive study was conducted to describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of adolescents on voluntary counselling and testing (VCT). The purpose was to identify and make recommendations concerning the role of high school teachers in promoting VCT. A total of 124 students were sampled. However, 24 learners withdrew from participating. A total of 100 senior secondary school participants participated in the final study. Data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire. The findings of the study revealed that 59% of the adolescents are aware of VCT services but fear of positive results is a barrier to utilising the service. A strong recommendation was that education sessions on the subject for HIV be included in the school curriculum and testing centres should be created in high schools. The study concluded that there is a need to enhance dissemination of VCT information among the youth and to create youth friendly VCT school health services.