The quantitative findings indicated high levels of HIV/AIDS knowledge, self-concept and self-efficacy. Risky sexual behaviour was measured in terms of condom use and the number of sexual partners in the 12 months prior to the study with males reporting significantly more risky sexual behaviour. More males (70% vs. 43 % females) reported no condom use when engaging in sex. More males (62 % vs. 28 % females) reported having had two or more sexual partners in the 12 months prior to the study. Results also suggested that an increase in knowledge of HIV/AIDS would predict an increase in the use of condoms particularly for males. Lower self-efficacy seemed to predict an increase in the number of sexual partners for males. The focus group discussions highlighted students' views of HIV/AIDS knowledge in relation to their sexual practices, attitudes and sexual decision-making. Influences such as personal factors (self-concept and self-efficacy), social factors (e.g. peer influences, gender, and status) and environmental factors (e.g. media) were investigated. Participants also commented on the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS campaigns and the adequacy in provision of health services at college and community level. From the findings, guidelines were developed which may be used to reflect on current intervention programmes and may be considered when developing future interventions programmes, policies, or campaigns in promoting safer sexual practices amongst youth as a means of addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

In 2005, more than 25 million adults and children worldwide were living with HIV/AIDS and more than 75% of these were in sub-Saharan Africa. Studies indicate that the incidence of HIV infection and the prevalence of high-risk behaviors among young populations continue to rise in developing countries. AIDS has severe economic impacts, especially in high-risk countries such as Nigeria. This project used secondary data from the 2003 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. The 2003 NDHS is a cross-sectional, multistage, stratified survey with systematic sampling that was designed to obtain information on key population and health indicators such as sexual activity, knowledge about AIDS and other STDs, and behavior associated with AIDS and other STDs for the entire Nigerian population, including people living in rural areas, urban areas, and six major geographic regions. Analyses were restricted to sexually active adolescents and young adults 15 to 24 years of age who are Nigerians living in Nigeria in 2003. The sample size was (n=2,418), of which 2,009 are females and 409 are males. Non-Nigerians and Nigerians in Diaspora were excluded in the original design of the survey. Also, those younger than 15 years or older than 24 years were excluded in this study. This research examined the association between independent variables and other covariates with risky sexual behaviors such as lack of condom use and multiple sex partners, as well as possible difference by gender. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using multivariate logistic regression models, adjusting for age, education and religion. All tests were done at 95% significant leve. l-- Abstract.