The Influence of Parenting Style and Parent Educational Level on Perception of HIV/AIDS Pandemic among Secondary School Students in Calabar Educatioin Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria

The study sought to determine the extent to which parenting style and parental educational level influence perception of HIV/AIDS pandemic among secondary school students in Calabar Education Zone. Ever since the discovery of HIV/AIDS, concerted efforts have been made by international bodies, agencies, the government etc., to curb the scourge of the malignant virus. This effort has made many to know the potential threat the epidemic possess to human existence. However, in spite of these efforts, many students still perceive HIV/AIDS as a mirage that does not exist. Perception of HIV/AIDS refers to the amount of knowledge about causes, mode of transmission, prevention and treatment, possessed (especially intuitive), on HIV/AIDS. The main purpose of this study was to determine the influence of parenting style and educational level on perception of HIV/AIDS pandemic among secondary school students in Calabar Education Zone. The population of this study comprised of all the SS1, 2 & 3 Students and 1,200 students randomly selected as sample for this study. Data collection instrument was a facts finding questionnaire titled family variables and students perception of HIV/AIDS’ (FVSPA). The major findings were that; parenting style has significant influence on students’ perception of HIV/AIDs. Parental educational level has significant influence on students’ perception of HIV/AIDs. It was recommended that the school management in collaboration with the school guidance counsellors should frequently use forums such as PTA’s to organize trainings in order to sensitize parents on the adoption of most appropriate style of parenting for their children.