Perceptions of HIV/AIDS

Unilag students watching HIV-AIDS film Source: CFC \ Simon Assanga

CFC went out full force to organize another youth rally and film show to mark the 14th World AIDS Day on the first of December 2001. This time around, the event took place at the University of Lagos (Unilag) targeting students of the institution. It was organized with support from Unilag’s Department of Creative Arts on the international theme ‘I care do you?’.

Various films on HIV-AIDS from the ‘Scenarios from the Sahel’ series written by African teenagers were screened at the event.

In addition to the film show, CFC also produced information leaflets on HIV-AIDS which included the addresses of organisations they could contact for help and more information. Health experts from Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and Society for Family Health (SFH) led interactive session with the students sharing information services presently available for HIV testing and counseling.

Students filling out questionnaires at the event Source: CFC \ Simon Assanga

A questionnaire to investigate the students’ perception and awareness about HIV-AIDS and those living with the disease as well as their impressions of the films were distributed.

Out of the 265 self-completed questionnaires administered, 259 were validly processed. The study revealed a remarkable high awareness level of HIV-AIDS. Ninety-seven percent of the participants said they heard about the disease prior to the event through television (31%), school (16%), radio (5%), newspaper (4%) and other programmes (4%).

The findings further revealed that students’ knowledge about HIV-AIDS has positively affected their habits with 25% of respondents stating that HIV-AIDS has induced in them ‘self control and protection through condom use’, 19% learning to abstain totally and 16% remaining faithful by having one sex partner. Eleven percent asserted that HIV-AIDS has no effect on their sexual habits.

Regarding protection, 40% stated they would abstain from sex and 36% said they would use condoms. Twelve percent said they would practice marital faithfulness or stay in a stable relationship. However, 10% of respondents said they did not know how to protect themselves.

Once again, CFC successfully brought development and social messages to the students of Unilag, using entertaining and humourous technique which aided the lesson that HIV-AIDS is no laughing matter.