Exploring Hiv Risk Perception, Sexual Behaviors, and Condom Utilization Among Youth in Saki West, Oyo State, Nigeria

Kolawole Tunmise Daramola; Ogunmola-Oladele Tinuola Oluwatoyin; Florence Foluso Akingbesote; Famade TITILAYO; John Moses Enemona; Oladokun Emmanuel Ololade

Authors

Kolawole Tunmise Daramola College of Community Health, University College Hospital, Ibadan
Ogunmola-Oladele Tinuola Oluwatoyin Health Informatics and Information Management Department Cavalla International University, Roseville, USA
Florence Foluso Akingbesote Faculty of Nursing, Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of Ibadan
Famade TITILAYO University of Ibadan, Faculty of public health
John Moses Enemona Public Health, National Open University of Nigeria
Oladokun Emmanuel Ololade University of Ibadan, Faculty of public health

Keywords:

HIV Risk Perception, Sexual Behaviour, Condom use, Youth, Saki West, Nigeria

Abstract

HIV remains a major public health concern among young people in sub-Saharan Africa, with risky sexual behaviours and low risk perception contributing significantly to new infections despite high levels of awareness. This study assessed HIV risk perception, sexual behaviours, and condom utilization among youth in Saki West, Oyo State, Nigeria. A community-based cross-sectional study design was used among 400 respondents aged 15–24 years selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression at a 95% confidence level. Findings showed that 69.0% of respondents were sexually active, with 35.5% reporting early sexual debut. Multiple sexual partnerships (30.1%), inconsistent condom use (59.3%), and low condom use at last sexual intercourse (25.3%) were common. Although 84.5% had correct knowledge of HIV, 74.0% perceived themselves to be at low risk, and 60.0% reported no worry about HIV infection. Marital status, education level, schooling status, income level, and condom use were significant predictors of sexual risk behaviour (p < 0.05). There is a clear gap between HIV knowledge, risk perception, and sexual behaviour among youth in Saki West. Sexual risk behaviors are largely influenced by socio-economic and behavioral factors rather than knowledge alone.