Knowledge about AIDS and Sexual Behaviors of Inmates of Agodi Prison in Ibadan, Nigeria

• Published in: International quarterly of community health education Vol. 19; no. 4; pp. 353 - 362
• Main Authors: Okochi, Charles A, Oladepo, Oladimeji, Ajuwon, Ademola J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.1999
• Subjects: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; Knowledge; Nigeria; Prisoners; Risk; Sexual Behavior
• ISSN: 0272-684X

This study explored AIDS knowledge & sexual behavior of the 381 inmates of Agodi prison in Ibadan, Nigeria. Data were collected in 1997 through interviewer-assisted questionnaires. Males dominated the sample (94.5%) & 49.3% were less than 30 years old. Most respondents knew that HIV is transmitted through sex (96.6%) & transfusion with infected blood (94%); nevertheless, 30% believed the virus could spread through shaking infected persons' hands. Concerning sexual behavior: 53.3% masturbated; 46.5% engaged in risky sexual behaviors comprising men who had unprotected sex with male partners (53.5%), female prostitutes (25.6%) & female inmates (20.9%). Younger inmates had more (71%) homosexual contacts than older inmates (29%) (p < 0.05). Homosexual practices prior to incarceration were unreported. Only 7.8% of sexually active prisoners used a condom. Although prisoners in Agodi were knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS, risky sexual practices persist. Multiple interventions are recommended to address this problem. 2 Tables, 14 References. Adapted from the source document.