Abstract:

Introduction: Lesbians, Gay, Bisexuals and Transgenders (LGBTs) are a key population for HIV risk globally with 17% of male homosexuals having HIV worldwide. Male homosexuals also account for 10% of all new HIV infections in Nigeria. The dearth of information about LGBTs in Nigeria makes it imperative to assess the sexual orientations of university students as well as their knowledge of LGBTs.

Objectives: To determine the sexual orientation of students of University of Ibadan

To determine students’ level of knowledge about LGBTs

Methods: A mixed research method involving quantitative components (self-administered, semi-structured questionnaires) and qualitative components (Focus Group Discussions) was adopted using a multi-stage sampling to select undergraduate and postgraduate students of University of Ibadan.

Results: Students had moderate knowledge about LGBTs. Also, 96% of the respondents were identified as heterosexuals, 0.9% were bisexuals and 2.1% were uncertain about their sexual orientation. There was no statistically significant association between the socio-demographic and academic characteristics of the students and their knowledge about LGBT however there was a statistically significant association between respondent’s knowledge about LGBTs and personally knowing an LGBT person (X²= 16.040; P= <0.001).

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