Awareness of HIV/AIDS among Rural Population in Edo State, Nigeria
1Oronsaye F.E. and 2Oviasogie F.E.
1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
2Department of Microbiology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
E-mail: sayfrankon@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to determine the awareness, knowledge and beliefs about HIV/AIDS among three rural populations of Edo State Nigeria 568 individuals among the inhabitants of the three villages were randomly surveyed for this study. This was done by means of questionnaires administered to them by trained field health workers. It was found that 40% of the population was still not aware of the presence of HIV/AIDS. 80% were fully grown adults and 99% were unmarried. 20% attributed the death toll on our young and active workforce to mysterious circumstances and evil spirits. The need to spread the campaign for the prevention of HIV/AIDS to the rural areas of this country cannot be overemphasized.