Evaluation of the Role of the Family in the Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS Among Youths in North-Western Nigeria, a Community Survey

Abstract

Sexually active youths are increasingly at risk of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections with the family being the primary agent of socialization, it can exert a strong influence on youths' sexual behavior. Therefore, to aid in the design and implementation of effective prevention programs, it is important to understand the role of the family in influencing sexual behaviors among youths. This study is a cross-sectional descriptive study with 133 youths drawn via a probability sampling method from Sabon-Gari LGA of Kaduna State using a self-administered questionnaire, data was entered and analyzed using the statistical packaged for social sciences (SPSS) now IBM statistics version 25, with summaries presented as frequency Tables, and charts where appropriate. Test of association between variables was done with those with p<0.05 taken as statistically significant. The results showed that parents' role in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS among youths include teaching of precautionary measures towards prevention of HIV/AIDS, abstinence, delay early onset of sexual activity, condom use, discouraging Youths from having multiple sexual partners as well as encouraging youths to visit counselling centers. It was observed that activities of the family have a significant influence on the practice of precautionary measures among respondents, with statistically significant association between family communication about HIV/AIDS prevention and abstinence (p<0.05), also occupation was found to be associated with awareness of HIV/AIDS (p=0.029). The family is an important agent of socialization; teaching norms, culture and traditions. it helps to model its members and make them fit for the society. Prevention programs that seek to educate youth about sexual risk behaviors most strongly encourage communication about HIV/AIDS between youths and the family members.