Awareness and use of pre-exposure and postexposure prophylaxes among Nigerian university students

Abstract

Despite the recent advances in biomedical preventive strategies, young adults—especially adolescent girls— continue to be disproportionately at risk of acquiring HIV. To avert this trend, it is critical that access to HIV preventive strategies, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis be expanded, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where young adults are known to engage in risky sexual practices. This study examined awareness levels and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) among Nigerian university students.A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 800 students selected using stratified random sampling at 2 Nigerian universities. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis on 784 complete responses.The levels of awareness of PrEP and PEP were 18.9% and 25.4%, respectively. Ever tested for human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] (AOR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.04–2.42) and knowledge of partner's HIV status (AOR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.25–2.79) were the significant determinants of awareness to PrEP. In contrast, only ever tested for HIV (AOR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.02–2.19), knowledge of partner's HIV status (AOR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.07–2.24), ever used condoms (AOR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.04–2.62), and nude exchanges (AOR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.13–2.31) were independent determinants of awareness of PEP. Only a few students had seen (5.6%) or used (1.5%) any prophylaxes.The study findings indicate a low level of awareness and use of PrEP and PEP. To ensure no one is left behind in the goal of elimination of new HIV infections, intervention to expand access to these preventive strategies is needed in the study settings.

Alcohol use among Nigerian university students: prevalence, correlates and frequency of use

“…The data used for this research was part of a larger study that examined sexual risk behaviour and sexual health and wellbeing of adolescents and young adults in Nigerian Universities. The detailed methodology has been published elsewhere [40]. The study was conducted at the University of Ilorin in Kwara state and Nasarawa state Univerisity in Nasarawa state.…”

Transactional sex among Nigerian university students: The role of family structure and family support

“…This study was part of a more extensive study which examined the prevalence of HIV testing and awareness of pre-exposure prophylaxis among Nigerian university students. The detailed methodology has been published elsewhere [65]. We based our sample size estimation on the 50% prevalence of HIV testing reported by a previous study [66].…”

The Effectiveness of Sex Education Based on Mindfulness Training and Islamic Teachings in Improving Satisfaction with Sexual Identity Among Male Adolescents in Zahedan, Iran

“…Therefore, based on the current study results, sex education based on mindfulness training and especially Islamic teachings can be regarded in the school curriculums as an effective step towards in-forming adolescents, increasing their self-awareness, and respecting and paying attention to adolescents' characteristics to prevent social harm. The present study was performed to indicate the necessity of incorporating sex education in school curriculum, which is of particular importance based on several studies (6)(7)(8)(9)(10). Healthy sexual identity has direct relationships with mental health (24), sexual behaviors, and prevention of high-risk sexual behaviors and substance abuse (25).…”

“…According to the study by Santelli et al (8), concerning teachers' opinions, the most important goal of sex education is to inform students about the responsibility and awareness of the reality of sexual issues. As claimed by Ajay et al, and also by Alevriadou and Sereti, sex education provided to all children and adolescents is a critical qualitative component of contemporary education (9) that prevents high-risk behaviors during adolescence (10). In terms of Islamic teachings, highlighting and teaching psychological and life issues, achieving the quality of various human talents and the relationships of these talents, and understanding the principles and methods of education can lead mankind to develop natural sexual talents and pre-vent negative consequences such as lust, licentiousness, and the like, and also realize the great goals of sex education.…”