Exploring HIV Status Awareness, Perceived Risk, and Stigmatization in Nigerian Urban Youths

Background: HIV continues to pose a serious global public health threat, with young people remaining particularly at risk. Although HIV testing is essential for effective prevention, treatment, and care—as well as for combating stigma and discrimination—testing uptake among youths remains suboptimal. This study aimed to assess HIV status awareness, perceived risk, and attitudes toward stigmatization among youths in an urban area of Rivers State, Nigeria.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 291 youths aged 15 to 24 years, selected through a multistage sampling approach in an urban local government area of Rivers State. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27.Results: Of the respondents, 184 (63.2%) were aged 15–19 years, and 171 (58.8%) were male. Over half (159; 54.6%) had never undergone HIV testing and were unaware of their status. Only 87 (29.9%) considered themselves at risk of HIV infection, and 59 (20.3%) believed they were at high risk. Stigmatizing attitudes were prevalent, with 250 (85.9%) expressing negative views toward people living with HIV/AIDS. Additionally, 145 (49.8%) felt that such individuals should have some restrictions on their freedom, while 124 (43.1%) were unwilling to maintain friendships with someone living with AIDS. No statistically significant association was found between socio-demographic variables and stigmatizing attitudes (p ≥ 0.05).Conclusion: HIV testing rates and awareness of HIV status among youths in this community remain inadequate. A considerable proportion perceive themselves to be at risk of infection, while stigmatizing attitudes toward individuals living with HIV/AIDS are alarmingly high. There is a pressing need for targeted interventions—such as health education and awareness campaigns—to encourage safer sexual practices, promote routine HIV testing, and address stigma.