International Journal of Prevention and Treatment 2015, 4(1): 8-13
DOI: 10.5923/j.ijpt.20150401.02
Sexual Behaviour, HIV/Stiprevention Knowledge, and
Utilisation of Vct among the Residents in Sagamu
Metropolis of Ogun State, Nigeria
Ilesanmi Ayodele Olusola
1
, Ezeokoli Rita Nkiruka
2
, Obasohan M. O.
2
,
Ayodele Kolawole Olanrewaju
3,*
, Olaoye Titilayo
4
1
Medical Laboratory Science Department, Babcock University Ilishan, Ogun State, Nigeria
2
Social Work Department, Babcock University Ilishan, Ogun State, Nigeria
3
Research and International Cooperation (RIC), Babcock University Ilishan, Ogun State, Nigeria
4
Public Health Department, Babcock University Ilishan, Ogun State, Nigeria
Abstract Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) has been seen as a viable tool in curbing permissive sexual behaviour
as well as controlling the spread of HIV/AIDS. The aim of the study was to assess and compare the sexual behaviour, HIV
preventions knowledge, and VCT utilization among the residents in Sagamu metropolis with the aim of identifying aspects
requiring interventions. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design in order to assess the knowledge, perceptions,
attitudes and use of voluntary counselling and testing among the residents of Sagamu metropolis of Ogun State in Southwest
Nigeria. In this study, a total of 287 participants stratified based on their professions (traders, students, and civil servants)
were involved. A self-developed instrument tagged “Knowledge, Perceptions, Attitudes and the use of VCT Questionnaire
(KPAVCTQ)” was used data collection. Data analysis was done with descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment
Correlation, and Multiple Regression Analysis. The results showed a direct relationship between participants’ sexual
behaviour and STI preventions (.071), as well as VCT usage (.011); significant moderating influence of demographics was
found on the relationship between sexual behaviour, VCT usage and STI preventions. Also, it was revealed that the
participants did not differ significantly in their sexual behaviour (F
(1,266)
= 1.754; P < .05), HIV/STI prevention knowledge
(F
(3,266)
= 1.887; P < .05), and VCT utilization (F
(3,266)
= 1.149; P < .05) for health purpose. This study underscores the need
for the Nigerian society to focus attention on issues that are of some consequences to human sexual health knowledge, social
functioning and mental health development.
Keywords Sexual behaviour, HIV preventions knowledge, VCT utilization
1. Introduction
When Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) was first
mentioned in the 1980s, few people could imagine what an
international plague this virus could be. Though the disease
is completely preventable, thousands of people die each day
and the numbers continue to rise. East and southern
sub-Saharan Africa is the world’s “hot spot” for HIV/AIDS
[1]. The low prevalence of HIV and AIDS in the developed
countries is partially due to a number of factors: increased
awareness by the inhabitants, pro-active government policies,
and access to quality healthcare services, positive attitude
and minimal incidents of stigmatization among the populace.
* Corresponding author:
ayodelewole@gmail.com (Ayodele Kolawole Olanrewaju)
Published online at http://journal.sapub.org/ijpt
Copyright © 2015 Scientific & Academic Publishing. All Rights Reserved
On the contrary, low literacy level, mystification of disease,
poor perception, poverty, lack of access to quality healthcare
and stigmatization have all contributed to the high
prevalence found in surveys conducted for HIV/AIDS in
developing countries [1-5].
Africa has been nicknamed the hotbed of HIV infections
due to the high infection and mortality data [1, 5], although
severity is more pronounced in the South and East Africa.
The pro-HIV factors identified above are a common
phenomenon in most African countries, yet people there
continue to engage in risky sexual behaviors due to a lack of
knowledge about the disease and how it is transmitted,
cultures that discourage the use of condoms, societal denial,
and a low perceived susceptibility of acquiring the disease.
HIV/AIDS is a terminal disease. Although no permanent
cure has been found but there is aprovision of antiretroviral
drugs that assist in prolonging the life of those who have
been infected. Knowledge of one’s HIV status is a first step
to facilitate accessing care and preventing further infection,