KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PERCEPTIONS REGARDING HIV/AIDS AND SEXUAL BEHAVIOURS AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL LEARNERS IN KUMBA, CAMEROON

ABSTRACT

HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health concern in Cameroon, especially among adolescents who are vulnerable to risky sexual behaviours. This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of HIV/AIDS and related sexual behaviours among senior secondary school learners in Kumba, Cameroon. The study seeks to assess the level of awareness of HIV transmission, the attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), and the extent of engagement in risky sexual practices.

A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, with data collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 400 senior secondary school students aged between 15 and 19 years. The questionnaire covered topics such as HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes towards PLWHA, perception of personal risk, and sexual behaviours. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while inferential statistics were applied to identify associations between knowledge levels and sexual behaviours.

Results indicate that although the majority of respondents have heard of HIV/AIDS, there are significant gaps in comprehensive knowledge about its transmission and prevention. While 80% of students are aware that HIV is transmitted through unprotected sex, only 55% correctly identified other transmission modes, such as sharing sharp objects and mother-to-child transmission. A substantial portion of the learners harboured misconceptions, including the belief that HIV can be transmitted through casual contact (30%) or mosquito bites (20%).

Attitudes towards PLWHA revealed a mixed pattern. Although 60% of the respondents expressed empathy and willingness to interact with HIV-positive individuals, 40% still held stigmatizing views, such as fear of contracting the virus through casual interaction or refusing to share meals with infected individuals. These stigmatizing attitudes are likely fueled by insufficient education on the realities of HIV transmission.

Regarding sexual behaviours, the study found that a significant number of learners engaged in risky practices. Around 35% reported having had sexual intercourse, and of these, 40% admitted to not using condoms consistently. Moreover, 25% had multiple sexual partners in the past year, increasing their risk of contracting HIV. The lack of condom use was often attributed to misconceptions about its effectiveness or the fear of being judged by peers. Despite the prevalence of sexual activity, only 45% of the sexually active students considered themselves at risk of contracting HIV, indicating a dangerous underestimation of personal vulnerability.

The findings highlight the need for more effective sexual education programs in schools that focus not only on providing accurate information but also on addressing attitudes and perceptions about HIV/AIDS. The study recommends that school curricula include comprehensive sex education that covers HIV prevention methods, the importance of consistent condom use, and destigmatization of PLWHA. Additionally, peer education initiatives could help in correcting misconceptions and promoting safer sexual behaviours among students.

In conclusion, while there is general awareness of HIV/AIDS among secondary school learners in Kumba, critical gaps in knowledge, coupled with negative attitudes and risky sexual behaviours, increase their vulnerability to the virus. Targeted interventions in schools could play a pivotal role in reducing the risk of HIV transmission among adolescents and fostering more