ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF RISKY HIV/AIDS BEHAVIOUR AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN SHAO.

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding risky HIV/AIDS behaviors among secondary school students in Shao, Moro Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria. The study was designed to understand the level of awareness, the attitudes towards HIV/AIDS prevention, and the actual sexual behaviors practiced by students in relation to HIV risk. A total of 209 secondary school students were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire that explored sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of HIV/AIDS, attitudes towards risky behaviors, and sexual practices. The findings revealed that the majority of the students (95.2%) had heard of HIV/AIDS, with most demonstrating accurate knowledge of HIV transmission modes, such as unprotected sexual intercourse, needle sharing, and mother-to-child transmission. However, despite high levels of knowledge, misconceptions persisted, particularly regarding non-sexual transmission routes. While most students had a positive attitude towards HIV prevention, including using condoms and abstinence, some students still considered unprotected sex and multiple sexual partners as acceptable practices. The study also highlighted a significant gap between knowledge and practice, with a considerable proportion of sexually active students engaging in risky sexual behaviors. Approximately 57.4% of the respondents reported having had sexual intercourse, with only 50% of them using condoms during their last sexual encounter. Moreover, 85.6% of the students had never been tested for HIV, indicating a lack of engagement in preventive health measures. The study also identified several factors influencing risky HIV/AIDS behaviors, including peer pressure, social norms, and limited access to sexual health resources. The results suggest that while students are knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS, social and cultural barriers prevent them from consistently applying preventive measures. The findings underline the importance of comprehensive HIV education programs that go beyond basic knowledge and address behavioral, social, and cultural factors. Interventions should focus on improving access to condoms, increasing HIV testing awareness, and addressing the stigma surrounding HIV and sexual health. This study concludes that there is a need for more targeted HIV/AIDS prevention programs in schools, which should incorporate not only educational aspects but also behavioral change strategies. These programs should aim to improve the attitudes and practices of students toward safer sexual behaviors, encourage open discussions about HIV/AIDS, and promote HIV testing as an essential part of health care. By tackling both the cognitive and psychosocial factors, it is possible to reduce the prevalence of risky behaviors and HIV transmission among secondary school students in Shao and similar regions. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, risky behaviors, knowledge, attitude, practice, secondary school students, Kwara State, HIV testing, sexual health interventions.