Gender differences in comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge and safe sex practices among sexually active young people (15–24 years) in Nigeria: insights from the 2008–2018 demographic and health surveys

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) have remained global public health issues, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria having the highest number of cases. There is limited evidence on the relationship between comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge and behaviour change among young people. This study examined the influence of comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge on safe sex practices among young people in Nigeria. The study analysed pooled anonymised data from the 2008, 2013, and 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys, using a weighted sample of 3,204 never-married but sexually active young people aged 15-24, with Stata software (version 15). Descriptive and analytical analyses, including frequency distributions and multivariate logistic regression models, were conducted. The study established that comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge remains low among young people, with gender disparities, and a higher proportion of young males using condoms than females between 2008 and 2018. Comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge is significantly linked to condom use among sexually active young people, with males 47% (aOR: 1.47) having higher odds of condom use than females 42% (aOR: 1.42). To combat HIV/AIDS, policymakers should launch targeted initiatives that boost knowledge and encourage safe sex practices, focusing on underserved communities. This could be actived through school programmes, community outreach, and digital campaigns, while also partnering with faith-based groups to reach more vulnerable populations, especially young people.