Knowledge and Utilisation of HIV and AIDS Counselling Services Among Out-of-School Youth in Suleja, Niger State

Out-of-school youth represent a particularly vulnerable population for HIV transmission risk, often lacking access to structured health education and counselling services. This study examined the knowledge and utilisation of HIV and AIDS counselling services among out-of-school youth in Suleja, Niger State, North Central Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with 250 out-of-school youth between the ages of 15 and 24 selected through snowball and purposive sampling from community recreation centres, market areas, and informal settlement zones. A researcher-constructed questionnaire validated by public health and counselling experts was administered. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Findings indicated that knowledge of HIV transmission routes and prevention strategies was moderate among participants, but knowledge of available testing and counselling services was very low. Fewer than 20 percent had ever accessed HIV counselling services, with stigma, fear of positive results, and lack of awareness of service locations as the primary barriers. Male youth were significantly less likely to seek HIV counselling than females. The study concluded that community-based counselling outreach targeting out-of-school youth in Suleja is urgently needed. Recommendations included deploying mobile counselling units in non-institutional settings, training peer educators in HIV-related guidance, and engaging community leaders in destigmatisation campaigns. Keywords: HIV and AIDS, counselling services, out-of-school youth, Suleja, Niger State.