The quantitative study focuses on the perceptions of Nigerian adolescent students to HIV/AIDS and their attitudes to prevention methods. From the literature reviewed it was ascertained that adolescent students do have positive and optimistic perceptions of HIV/AIDS, and also adequate knowledge, but this has not translated into positive attitudes to prevention methods. The literature also indicated that peer group pressure, parental control and the mass media are some variables that probably influence adolescents’ sexual behaviour. This researcher developed the ‘Adolescent Students’ Perception of HIV/AIDS and Attitude to Prevention Methods Questionnaire’ to solicit information from the adolescent students. The results were coded and duly analysed. The results from the empirical study indicated that Nigerian adolescent students have positive perceptions regarding HIV/AIDS, as well as positive attitudes to prevention methods. Recommendations were made for curriculum experts, educators and parents based on current research methods. / Psychology of Education / Thesis (D. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

The overall aim of this study was to understand the determinants of VCT uptake in the general population of Nigeria’s federal capital territory of Abuja. Uptake of VCT still remains low despite increased availability of VCT information and services in Abuja, Nigeria. A quantitative cross-sectional study was undertaken with 180 respondents from Abuja, using an adaptation of the Health Belief Model as conceptual framework, to elucidate the social demographics of respondents, their HIV/VCT knowledge, their perceptions of VCT facility design, societal support for VCT, and how HIV stigma shapes the phenomenon of VCT uptake in Abuja, Nigeria. The key findings were that a better understanding of HIV prevention, a perception of support from community and religious leaders, and access to HIV test services in government facilities are positive predictors of higher VCT uptake. Poor personal risk assessment and the cost of HIV testing were identified as the key barriers to VCT access. / Health Studies / M.P.H.

The quantitative study focuses on the perceptions of Nigerian adolescent students to HIV/AIDS and their attitudes to prevention methods. From the literature reviewed it was ascertained that adolescent students do have positive and optimistic perceptions of HIV/AIDS, and also adequate knowledge, but this has not translated into positive attitudes to prevention methods. The literature also indicated that peer group pressure, parental control and the mass media are some variables that probably influence adolescents’ sexual behaviour. This researcher developed the ‘Adolescent Students’ Perception of HIV/AIDS and Attitude to Prevention Methods Questionnaire’ to solicit information from the adolescent students. The results were coded and duly analysed. The results from the empirical study indicated that Nigerian adolescent students have positive perceptions regarding HIV/AIDS, as well as positive attitudes to prevention methods. Recommendations were made for curriculum experts, educators and parents based on current research methods. / Psychology of Education / Thesis (D. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

The overall aim of this study was to understand the determinants of VCT uptake in the general population of Nigeria’s federal capital territory of Abuja. Uptake of VCT still remains low despite increased availability of VCT information and services in Abuja, Nigeria. A quantitative cross-sectional study was undertaken with 180 respondents from Abuja, using an adaptation of the Health Belief Model as conceptual framework, to elucidate the social demographics of respondents, their HIV/VCT knowledge, their perceptions of VCT facility design, societal support for VCT, and how HIV stigma shapes the phenomenon of VCT uptake in Abuja, Nigeria. The key findings were that a better understanding of HIV prevention, a perception of support from community and religious leaders, and access to HIV test services in government facilities are positive predictors of higher VCT uptake. Poor personal risk assessment and the cost of HIV testing were identified as the key barriers to VCT access. / Health Studies / M.P.H.

Text in English / The discovery that anti-retroviral therapy (ART) is important for human immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV) prevention has increased interest in factors that influence adherence to HIV treatment. Studies have shown that non-adherence to ART results in drug resistance, morbidity and person-to-person HIV transmission. For persons defaulting on or living risky sexual lives, becoming adherent is a life-saving behavioural change, both for themselves and for their sexual partners. HIV/AIDS programmes are trying different innovations to enhance behavioural outcomes of people living with HIV (PLHIV). This study sought to determine the value of support group participation and based on the findings, to develop an evidence-based model for revitalising caregiver social support competencies. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, a cross-sectional descriptive design was used to compare PLHIV who participate in support group activities with those who do not, in terms of their behavioural outcomes. Multistage probability sampling was used to select study respondents. Data was collected using a selfadministered questionnaire from 1,676 respondents between February and May 2014. Data was analysed using STATA. Data analysis shows that 47% of respondents had once (ever) participated in support group activities while 53% had never. PLHIV who participated in support group activities differed from those who did not in terms of HIV-related stigma (p=<0.001), positive HIV status disclosure (p=0.005), ART adherence (p=0.021), and sexual risk behaviours (p=0.045). PLHIV who participated in support group activities were more likely to have less internal HIV-related stigma, disclose their positive HIV status, adhere to ART and live less risky sexual lives. The two study groups were not different in terms of perceived social support (p=0.28) and external stigma (p=0.250). More PLHIV obtained social support from health workers (66%) and family members (36%) than from PLHIV support groups (16%). The researcher concludes that participating in support group activities positively impacts on behavioural outcomes of PLHIV, but PLHIV support groups are not the only sources of social support. In the second phase, a model for revitalising PLHIV caregiver social support competencies was developed as a recommendation for assuring PLHIV access to holistic care and support. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

Text in English / The discovery that anti-retroviral therapy (ART) is important for human immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV) prevention has increased interest in factors that influence adherence to HIV treatment. Studies have shown that non-adherence to ART results in drug resistance, morbidity and person-to-person HIV transmission. For persons defaulting on or living risky sexual lives, becoming adherent is a life-saving behavioural change, both for themselves and for their sexual partners. HIV/AIDS programmes are trying different innovations to enhance behavioural outcomes of people living with HIV (PLHIV). This study sought to determine the value of support group participation and based on the findings, to develop an evidence-based model for revitalising caregiver social support competencies. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, a cross-sectional descriptive design was used to compare PLHIV who participate in support group activities with those who do not, in terms of their behavioural outcomes. Multistage probability sampling was used to select study respondents. Data was collected using a selfadministered questionnaire from 1,676 respondents between February and May 2014. Data was analysed using STATA. Data analysis shows that 47% of respondents had once (ever) participated in support group activities while 53% had never. PLHIV who participated in support group activities differed from those who did not in terms of HIV-related stigma (p=<0.001), positive HIV status disclosure (p=0.005), ART adherence (p=0.021), and sexual risk behaviours (p=0.045). PLHIV who participated in support group activities were more likely to have less internal HIV-related stigma, disclose their positive HIV status, adhere to ART and live less risky sexual lives. The two study groups were not different in terms of perceived social support (p=0.28) and external stigma (p=0.250). More PLHIV obtained social support from health workers (66%) and family members (36%) than from PLHIV support groups (16%). The researcher concludes that participating in support group activities positively impacts on behavioural outcomes of PLHIV, but PLHIV support groups are not the only sources of social support. In the second phase, a model for revitalising PLHIV caregiver social support competencies was developed as a recommendation for assuring PLHIV access to holistic care and support. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)