ABSTRACT
This study assessed the behavioural, socio-demographic, and environmental risk factors contributing to the vulnerability of students of Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse, to HIV infection. Despite increased global awareness and national interventions, young people in tertiary institutions remain disproportionately affected by HIV due to a combination of risky behaviours, socio-economic conditions, and environmental influences. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, using a structured questionnaire administered to 100 students drawn from various departments of the Polytechnic. Ninety-five questionnaires were correctly completed and analyzed using simple percentages and frequency distributions. The findings revealed that behavioural factors significantly heighten students’ susceptibility to HIV. Risky practices such as unprotected sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partnerships, peer pressure, and alcohol or drug use before sexual activity were commonly reported. Transactional sex—engaging in sexual relationships in exchange for money, grades, or material benefits—was also identified as a notable risk behaviour among some students. Socio-demographic factors were equally influential. Students from low-income families appeared more vulnerable due to financial pressures that could lead to risky sexual decisions. Gender differences also emerged, with female students identified as more exposed to HIV risk owing to economic dependency and social inequalities. Furthermore, lack of parental guidance and limited supervision were found to contribute to risky lifestyle choices among students. Environmental factors such as inadequate hostel facilities, poor access to youth-friendly health services, unsafe living environments, and weak institutional awareness programs further increased students’ vulnerability. A significant proportion of students living off-campus faced higher exposure to unsafe conditions that encourage risky behaviours. Despite these risks, the study found that general knowledge and awareness about HIV transmission and prevention were relatively high among students. Most respondents demonstrated understanding of preventive methods such as abstinence, faithfulness, and condom use, and recognized that HIV-positive individuals can live healthy lives with appropriate treatment. However, gaps between knowledge and actual behaviour persist, underscoring the need for strengthened behaviour-change interventions. The study concludes that an effective HIV prevention strategy for Jigawa State Polytechnic must address behavioural risks while also targeting socio-economic and environmental determinants. It recommends continuous awareness programs, improved campus health services, enhanced hostel facilities, and strengthened peer education initiatives.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page…………………………………………………………………………………….i
Declaration…………………………………………………………………………………...ii
Dedication……………………………………………………………………………………iii
Acknowledgement……………………………………………………………………………iv
Certification………………………………………………………………………….……….v
Approval
Page……………………………………………………………………………….vi
Table of
contents……………………………………………………………………………..vii
Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………ix
CHAPTER
ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study. 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem.. 3
1.3 Objectives of the Study. 3
1.4 Research Questions. 4
1.5 Significance of the Study. 4
1.6 Scope and Delimitation of the Study. 5
1.7 Definition of Key Terms. 5
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Introduction. 6
2.2 Conceptual Framework. 6
2.2.1 Concept of HIV and AIDS. 6
2.2.2 Concept of Behavioural Risk Factors. 9
2.2.3 Concept of Socio-Demographic Factors. 12
2.2.4 Concept of Environmental Factors. 15
2.2.5 Concept of Students’ Vulnerability to HIV.. 18
2.3 Theoretical Framework. 20
2.3.1 Health Belief Model (HBM) 21
2.3.2 Social Learning Theory (SLT) 22
2.3.3 Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) 22
2.4 Empirical Review.. 23
2.4.1 Empirical Studies on Behavioural Risk Factors of HIV.. 23
2.4.2 Empirical Studies on Socio-Demographic Factors of HIV.. 24
2.4.3 Empirical Studies on Environmental Factors of HIV.. 25
2.4.4 Empirical Studies on Students’ Vulnerability to HIV.. 25
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction. 26
3.2 Research Design. 26
3.3 Population of the Study. 26
3.4 Sample Size and Sampling Technique. 27
3.5 Sources and Methods of Data Collection. 27
3.6 Instrument of Data Collection (Questionnaire) 27
3.7 Validity and Reliability of the Instrument 28
3.8 Method of Data Analysis. 28
3.9 Ethical Considerations. 28
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION
4.1 Introduction. 29
4.2 Demographic Characteristics of Respondents. 29
4.3 Behavioural Risk Factors. 34
4.4 Knowledge, Awareness, and Prevention of HIV.. 36
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary of Findings. 38
5.2 Conclusion. 39
5.3 Recommendations. 39
5.4 Suggestions for Further Studies. 40
References. 41
Questionnaire. 44
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the
Study
Human Immunodeficiency
Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remain among the
most devastating global public health challenges of the 21st century. Since its
discovery in the early 1980s, HIV has claimed millions of lives and continues
to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. According to
the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS, 2023), over 39
million people globally are living with HIV, with sub-Saharan Africa
accounting for nearly two-thirds of all global infections. Nigeria,
being the most populous country in Africa, bears a substantial portion of this
burden, ranking among the top five countries with the highest number of people
living with HIV (National Agency for the Control of AIDS [NACA], 2022).
Despite the progress
made in awareness, prevention, and treatment, the persistence of new
infections, particularly among young people, remains a major concern. The
youth, especially students in tertiary institutions, are recognized as a
high-risk group due to a combination of behavioural, socio-demographic, and
environmental factors that influence their vulnerability to HIV infection
(World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). The period of tertiary education is
often associated with increased social freedom, peer influence, experimentation
with sex, alcohol, and drugs, as well as exposure to urban environments—all of
which can elevate the risk of contracting HIV (Okonkwo & Yusuf, 2021).
Behavioural factors
play a central role in the spread of HIV among young adults. Risky sexual
behaviours such as unprotected sex, having multiple sexual partners,
transactional sex, and low use of condoms are key drivers of infection
(Adebowale, Fagbamigbe, & Bamgboye, 2020). In many tertiary institutions,
misconceptions about HIV transmission, poor knowledge of preventive measures,
and stigmatization against infected individuals further limit effective control
efforts. The combination of these behaviours contributes significantly to the
vulnerability of students, who often underestimate their risk due to youthful
optimism or denial of the possibility of infection (Onyeneho & Okolo,
2020).
Socio-demographic
factors such as age, gender, marital status, religion, educational background,
and socioeconomic status also influence exposure and susceptibility to HIV.
Young female students are often at higher risk compared to their male
counterparts due to biological, social, and economic vulnerabilities. Poverty
and financial dependency can push young women into transactional relationships
or early sexual involvement, thereby increasing their exposure to infection
(Adeleke & Afolabi, 2021). Moreover, cultural norms, peer influence, and
gender inequality play substantial roles in shaping sexual decision-making and
access to sexual health information and services (Okafor, 2020).
Environmental factors,
including living conditions, institutional policies, and access to health
services, further affect students’ risk levels. In some Nigerian tertiary
institutions, inadequate hostel accommodation, poor lighting, and lack of
recreational facilities can expose students to unsafe environments where sexual
abuse or coercion may occur. The absence of well-structured HIV awareness
programs and youth-friendly health services also limits the ability of students
to make informed decisions about their sexual health (Ogunleye & Ibrahim,
2021). In Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse, these challenges are compounded by
socio-cultural taboos that discourage open discussion about sex and HIV, making
it difficult for students to seek information, testing, or treatment when
necessary.
The government of
Nigeria and various international organizations have implemented several
interventions aimed at curbing the spread of HIV. These include free testing
and counseling services, awareness campaigns, the distribution of condoms, and
the integration of HIV education into school curricula (NACA, 2023). Despite
these initiatives, studies indicate that the level of awareness and adoption of
preventive measures among young people remains inadequate, particularly in
northern Nigeria (Garba, Abubakar, & Musa, 2022). This highlights the need
for localized studies to understand the unique behavioural, socio-demographic,
and environmental factors influencing HIV risk among specific populations such
as students of Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse.
Assessing these
factors is crucial because tertiary students represent the next generation of
Nigeria’s workforce and leaders. Their health status and awareness level
directly influence the broader public health landscape. Understanding the
determinants of HIV risk among this group can guide policymakers, health
educators, and institutions in designing effective interventions that target
the specific needs and realities of the student population. For instance,
identifying high-risk behaviours and the socio-environmental contexts that
encourage them can help in developing tailored educational and behavioural
change programs (Eze & Nwankwo, 2021).
Furthermore, the
cultural and religious setting of Jigawa State—a predominantly Muslim society
with conservative social norms—presents unique dynamics in HIV prevention and
awareness. Conversations about sexuality and reproductive health are often
restricted, creating information gaps and misconceptions that perpetuate risky
behaviour. Consequently, many students rely on informal or unreliable sources
of information, which can lead to poor knowledge of HIV transmission and
prevention methods (Abdullahi, 2020).
1.2 Statement of the
Problem
Despite decades of
global and national efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, the rate of new infections
among young people, particularly students in tertiary institutions, remains
alarmingly high. Many students engage in high-risk behaviours such as
unprotected sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partnerships, and substance
abuse, which significantly increase their vulnerability to HIV infection
(Adebowale, Fagbamigbe, & Bamgboye, 2020). In northern Nigeria, including
Jigawa State, socio-cultural and religious restrictions often hinder open
discussions about sexuality and HIV prevention, leading to misinformation and
poor risk perception among youths (Abdullahi, 2020).
Environmental factors
such as inadequate awareness programs, lack of youth-friendly health services,
and unsafe living conditions further exacerbate the problem. Although national
HIV prevention campaigns exist, few studies have focused on the specific
behavioural, socio-demographic, and environmental risk factors influencing HIV
vulnerability among students of Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse. This gap in
knowledge limits the development of effective institution-based interventions.
Therefore, this study seeks to assess these factors comprehensively, with the
aim of providing evidence-based recommendations to improve awareness,
prevention, and control of HIV within the institution and the wider community.
1.3 Objectives of the
Study
1.3.1 General
Objective
The general objective
of this study is to assess the behavioural, socio-demographic, and
environmental risk factors associated with HIV infection among the students of
Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse.
1.3.2 Specific
Objectives
The specific
objectives of the study are to:
- Identify
the behavioural factors that influence the risk of HIV infection among
students of Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse.
- Examine
the socio-demographic characteristics (such as age, gender, marital
status, and socio-economic background) that affect students’ vulnerability
to HIV infection.
- Investigate
the environmental conditions and institutional factors that contribute to
HIV risk among students.
- Assess
the level of awareness and knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention
among the students.
1.4 Research Questions
In line with the above
objectives, this study seeks to answer the following research questions:
- What
are the behavioural factors influencing HIV infection among students of
Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse?
- How
do socio-demographic characteristics affect students’ vulnerability to HIV
infection?
- In
what ways do environmental factors contribute to the risk of HIV infection
among students?
- What
is the level of awareness and knowledge about HIV transmission and
prevention among students?
1.5 Significance of
the Study
This study is
significant because it provides an in-depth understanding of the behavioural,
socio-demographic, and environmental determinants influencing HIV risk among
students of Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse. The findings will be valuable to
policymakers, health educators, and institutional administrators in developing
targeted interventions that promote HIV awareness, prevention, and behavioural
change among students. It will also help in designing youth-friendly health
programs and enhancing access to HIV testing and counseling services within
tertiary institutions. Academically, the study will add to the existing
literature on HIV prevention among young people in Nigeria and serve as a
reference point for future research in related areas.
1.6 Scope and
Delimitation of the Study
The scope of this
study is limited to assessing behavioural, socio-demographic, and environmental
risk factors associated with HIV among students of Jigawa State Polytechnic,
Dutse. The study focuses on both male and female students across all
faculties and departments of the institution. It examines their level of
awareness, preventive practices, and the factors that predispose them to HIV
infection. The research does not cover other tertiary institutions within
Jigawa State or beyond. Moreover, the study relies on self-reported data, which
may be subject to social desirability bias. Despite these limitations, the
study provides useful insights into students’ vulnerability and offers
practical recommendations for effective HIV prevention strategies.
1.7 Definition of Key
Terms
HIV (Human
Immunodeficiency Virus):
A virus that attacks and weakens the immune system, reducing the body’s ability
to fight infections and diseases (WHO, 2022).
AIDS (Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome):
The advanced stage of HIV infection characterized by severe immune system
damage and increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections (UNAIDS, 2023).
Behavioural Factors: Actions or habits
such as unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and drug or alcohol use that
increase the likelihood of HIV transmission (Adebowale et al., 2020).
Socio-Demographic
Factors:
Characteristics such as age, gender, education, marital status, religion, and
socioeconomic background that influence individuals’ vulnerability to HIV
infection (Adeleke & Afolabi, 2021).
Environmental Factors: Physical and
institutional conditions, including living arrangements, availability of health
facilities, and peer influence, that affect exposure to HIV risk (Ogunleye
& Ibrahim, 2021).
Risk Factors: Conditions or
behaviours that increase the likelihood of acquiring or transmitting HIV
infection (NACA, 2022).
Awareness: The level of
knowledge and understanding individuals have about HIV transmission,
prevention, and treatment (Garba et al., 2022).
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