Knowledge, Attitude and the Prevalence of HIV Counselling and Testing among Secondary In-School Adolescents in Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria

Background: Adolescence is a period of vulnerability with the onset of multiple risky behaviour which exposes them to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases and as such, the timely introduction and uptake of strategies like HIV Counselling and Testing will reduce transmission and provide access to preventive services. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and prevalence of HIV Counselling and Testing among secondary in-school adolescents in Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional analytical study design was used that selected students aged 13 - 19 years in senior classes SS1 to SS3 attending secondary schools. Data was collected using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive analyses were done with frequencies and summary statistics. Chi square statistic was computed and p value was set at 0.05 significant level. Results: Though most of the respondents were aware of HIV/AIDS (99%) and HIV Counselling and Testing (92%), the majority of the respondents had a poor level of overall knowledge (61%) and attitude (70%) towards HIV Counselling and Testing. The prevalence of HIV Counselling and Testing amongst the respondents was very low (7%). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant relationship between the level of overall knowledge and level of overall attitude towards HIV Counselling and Testing (p < 0.000). Conclusion: Identifying and closing the gaps in their knowledge and attitude towards HIV Counselling and Testing, will form the basis for the introduction of adolescent-tailored strategies that will further encourage and improve voluntary and confidential uptake of HIV Counselling and Testing among the adolescents.