KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION AND PARTICIPATION IN HIV AND AIDS POLICY-RELATED ACTIVITIES AMONG STAFF AND STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

HIV and AIDS Policy (HAP) of the University of lbadan was formulated to facilitate HIV prevention on campus. However, a systematic appraisal of the knowledge, perception and practices related to the policy among staff and students needed for possible policy reforms has not been adequately explored. This study was designed to investigate the knowledge, perception and participation of staff and students of the university in activities related to the HAP. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select 59 Academic staff (AS) and 146 Non-teaching staff (NS) from Faculties and Departments. A three-stage sampling technique was used to select 1001 students from halls. blocks and rooms. A semi-structured questionnaire which included questions on socio-demographic characteristics, 38-point knowledge and 17-point perception scales, and questions on HIV-related activities were used for data collection. Knowledge scores of <20, 20-28 and >28 were rated poor, fair and good, respectively. Perceptions scores of <7 and ≥7 points were categorised as unfavourable and favourable respectively. Twenty key informant (KI) interviews were conducted among Principal Officers, religious, staff and student Ieaders of the University. Quantitative data were analysed using student t-test and Chi-square test at 5% level of significance. Thematic approach was used to analyse qualitative data. The ages of AS, NS and students were 39.5± 9.3, 44.0 ± 7.9 and 24.5±6.0 years, respectively. Majority of AS (83.1%), NS(60.3%) and students (65.4%) were males. Only 40.7% of AS, 15.8% of NS and 14.5% of students had heard of the HAP and of these. AS (44.4%), NS (31.3%) and students (35.6%) had copies of the policy. Knowledge score of AS, NS and students were 29.1 ± 6.7, 23.2 ± 7.0 and 23,4±7.1, respectively. Respondent with good knowledge were AS - 57.1%. NS- 30.0% and Students-23.4%. Few AS (14.3%), NS (23.4%) and students (14.3%), NS (30.0%) and students (14.9%) stated that the policy recommends compulsory HIV screening for prospective employees and students which was incorrect Knowledge scores by sex among the three categories of respondents were not were not significantly different. Respondents with favourable perception of the HAP were AS (85.7%), NS (70.0%) and students (46.7%). Majority of AS (85.7%), NS (80.0%) and students (66.0%) who had ever read the policy had favourable perception regarding allowing persons with HIV to continue working or studying. A few AS (13.9%), NS (23.4%) and students (30.9%) had ever received HIV counselling and testing on campus. Other HAP related activities participated in by respondents included training (AS-88.9%; NS-44.6%: students-68.1%) and sessions of HIV and AIDS orientation for Fresh students (54.0%). Respondents' knowledge of HAP was not significantly related to their participation in HIV-related activities. Some KIs were aware of the HAP and majority had not read it. Inadequate collaboration among stakeholders was a perceived major barrier to the policy implementation. Respondents' knowledge of the HIV and AIDS policy was not adequate among the three groups while the perception of the policy was most unfavourable among students. Access to copies of the policy among staff and students and public enlightenment programmes are recommended to address the situation. Keywords: HIV and AIDS Policy, HIV prevention, HIV-related activities