HIV and AIDS related stigma among undergraduate students at a University in Nigeria

Abstract

The existence of HIV related stigma and discrimination in institutions of learning across the world is well-documented in the literature. It is also well known that factors such as knowledge about stigma and discrimination, fear of infection, social judgment, legal and policy environment act as actionable drivers and facilitators of HIV related stigma and discrimination. However, research works focusing on how various actionable drivers and facilitators are related to different forms of HIV related stigma and discrimination at universities in Nigeria are scanty. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the individual correlates of HIV-related stigma among undergraduate students at a public university in Nigeria. Methods: Quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of the University of South Africa. Permission to access the participants was obtained. The study was conducted at Ambrose Alli University which has a population of over 20,000 students. Informed consent was obtained from the participants. Simple random sampling was used to select 404 participants who were handed self-administered questionnaire. Collected data was analysed using All Pearson Chi-square test and Fishers Exact Test (p<0.05). Validity and reliability were also considered. A total of 391 questionnaires (97%) were returned and considered for analysis. Descriptive summary statistics and cross tabulations were used to analyse The results showed that a high proportion of undergraduate students still have stigmatising behaviours toward people living with HIV. These stigmatising behaviours are associated with certain individual characteristics. Recommendation: There is an urgent need for political leaders and heads of universities to implement policies and programmes that will enhance knowledge regarding HIV AND AIDS and thereby reduce stigmatizing attitudes among undergraduate students.