Predictors of HIV/AIDS risk behaviours among in-school and out-of-school youths in Taraba State, Nigeria - A comparative study.

backgroundYouths are particularly at risk of HIV/AIDS because of their high-risk sexual behaviours and low level of perceived vulnerability to the infection. They are therefore at the centre of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, concerning both new infections and opportunities for halting the transmission of HIV. The study aimed to determine and compare the predictors of HIV/AIDS risk behaviours among in-school and out-of-school youths in an HIV high-burden State in Nigeria.

methodsThis was a comparative cross-sectional study among in-school and out-of-school youths in Jalingo, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling was used in selecting study participants. Data collection was done using a pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. The level of significance was set at 0.05.

resultsA total of 810 questionnaires, comprising 409 from in-school youths and 401 from out-of-school youths, were completed and analysed. Over half (51.9%) of out-of-school and about 12% in-school youths were engaged in at least one HIV/AIDS risk behaviour. Being an older youth [(AOR = 0.28; 95% C.I = 0.10-0.75) for in-school; (AOR = 0.11; 95% C.I = 0.07-0.17) for out-of-school] and male [(AOR = 2.20; 95% C.I = 1.10-4.40) for in-school; (AOR = 2.65; 95% C.I = 1.66-4.24) for out-of-school] were predictors of HIV risk behaviour among the youths.

conclusionAge and sex predicted HIV/AIDS risk behaviour among in-school and out-of-school youths in the area. Interventions and strategies to reduce HIV/AIDS risk behaviours should therefore give particular attention to the male child and older youths while sustaining existing efforts targeting females and younger youths as well.