Knowledge of HIV/AIDS Prevention Among Senior Secondary School Students in Ondo State

Despite decades of awareness campaigns, knowledge gaps regarding HIV and AIDS prevention persist among Nigerian adolescents, particularly regarding transmission routes, prevention methods, and stigma. This study assesses the level of HIV and AIDS prevention knowledge among senior secondary school students in Ondo State, South West Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 380 students from ten secondary schools selected through multistage random sampling across urban and rural communities. A validated questionnaire covering HIV transmission, prevention strategies, testing, antiretroviral treatment awareness, and stigma attitudes was administered. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to examine associations between knowledge level and demographic variables. Results indicate that 79 percent of respondents have heard of HIV and AIDS, but comprehensive prevention knowledge is demonstrated by only 44 percent. Female students and those attending urban schools demonstrate significantly higher knowledge scores. Misconceptions regarding casual contact transmission remain prevalent in 38 percent of respondents. Peer-mediated information sources are identified as the most common knowledge channel, surpassing teachers and parents. The role of school-based health education in improving knowledge is confirmed by higher scores among students whose schools integrate HIV education into health and physical education classes. Recommendations include strengthening HIV education within the health education curriculum, training teachers, and establishing student peer educator programmes. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, prevention knowledge, secondary students, Ondo State, health education