Gender differentials in AIDS awareness in Nigeria. Results of the nationwide AIDs Nigerbus Survey.

The objective was to assess the level of AIDS awareness in Nigeria in order to develop appropriate communication strategies. Data were collected in June 1992 from 3972 adults in 21 of Nigerias 31 states through the Nigerbus Omnibus Survey a marketing household poll used by commercial manufactures. 4000 persons were interviewed bimonthly: 50% female 45% rural and 80% of low socioeconomic status. The results of the AIDS Nigerbus Survey revealed that 82% of the respondents had heard of AIDS (88% of males vs. 76% of females). Among those who had heard of the disease 84% of females and 78% of males considered it a significant problem in Nigeria. 22% of females and 11% of males reported that they did not know how one could contract the infection. 60% of those who knew about AIDS could not name a symptom of the disease (64% of females and 61% of males). Only 45% of the respondents knew that there was no cure for AIDS: 53% were not sure while 2% said they knew a cure. 63% of the males and 45% of the females had made lifestyle and sexual behavior adjustments to avoid contracting the disease. 44% of the females and 29% of the males had never talked to anyone about the disease. 70% of the respondents had heard a broadcast about AIDS on radio (72% of men vs. 66% of women). Nearly 45% had seen an AIDS broadcast on TV (48% of the men and 41% of the women). Efforts to educate the public about AIDS should focus on women who appear less knowledgeable about the disease. They should promote communication particularey between sexual partners. Because sexual issues are often a taboo mass media an acceptable forum for conveying AIDS educational messages should be used more widely.