AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIE ROLE OF FAMILY IN THE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF HIV/AIDS AMONG YOUTHS IN SHAO, KWARA STATE
Abstract
*ABSTRACT*
*Background:*
HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health challenge among youths in Nigeria, with family structures often playing a critical but understudied role in prevention and care. Shao, a community in Kwara State, has a growing youth population exposed to risk factors associated with HIV transmission, making family influence a key area for intervention.
*Objective:*
This study investigated the role of family in the control and management of HIV/AIDS among youths in Shao, Kwara State. It specifically examined family communication on sexual health, parental guidance, social support, and their effects on HIV awareness, prevention practices, treatment adherence, and stigma reduction.
*Methodology:*
A descriptive survey design was adopted. Data were collected from 200 youths aged 15–24 years in Shao using structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. Respondents were selected through multi-stage sampling. Information on family involvement, HIV knowledge, preventive behavior, and management practices was obtained. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square at 0.05 level of significance.
*Results:*
Findings revealed that youths from families with open communication on sexual health had higher HIV knowledge scores and were more likely to adopt preventive measures such as condom use and voluntary testing. Parental guidance and emotional support significantly improved treatment adherence among HIV-positive youths and reduced perceived stigma. However, low parental knowledge of HIV and cultural taboos around sexual discussions limited family participation in some households.
*Conclusion:*
The family plays a vital role in the control and management of HIV/AIDS among youths in Shao. Strengthening family-based HIV education, promoting parent-youth communication, and integrating families into community health programs are recommended to improve prevention and care outcomes among young people.
*Keywords:* family role, HIV/AIDS, youths, HIV prevention, treatment adherence, Shao, Kwara State
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