Abstract

The study examines the differences in sources of information about HIV and AIDS among in-school boys and girls, and how this influences their knowledge, attitude and sexual practices about HIV/AIDS. The mixed-method research was adopted. Data were gathered from one thousand five hundred and thirty-seven (1,537) students randomly selected from 34 public schools using a questionnaire. In-depth interviews and focus group discussion sessions were also conducted with selected teachers and students respectively. Data were analyzed using mean rank and t. test. There are differences between in-school boys and girls in the sources of information that influenced their knowledge, attitude and sexual practices about HIV and AIDS. Gender influences the sources of students’ knowledge about HIV and AIDS, with girls (mean score = 32.5908) being influenced more by sources of information than boys (mean score = 30.8333). On knowledge and attitude, sources of information influenced girls more than boys, while sources of information influenced boys more than girls on sexual practice. Although the mass media (radio, television, newspaper and magazine) were the most frequent sources of information on HIV and AIDS, the teachers, parents, peer educators, school counsellors and health workers were regarded as the most credible sources. Hence, there is a need for gender consideration in designing messages on HIV and AIDS targeting young people.