ABSTRACT:

This study sought to find out the extent to which some psycho cultural and physiological factors affects the attitudinal disposition to HIV/AIDS preventive practices among in-school adolescents in Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated the composite and relative contribution of the following psycho cultural and physiological variables (gender, age, traditional beliefs about HIV/AIDS and sexuality attitudes), to adolescence response to HIV/AIDS preventive practices in Cross River State, Nigeria. Data was generated from 316 fifth year students in 12 secondary schools in Cross River state, Nigeria using a questionnaire. Result of data analysis, using multiple regression procedure indicated that only two factors were effective in explaining adolescents’ response to HIV/AIDS preventive practices. Traditional beliefs about HIV/AIDS made the greatest contribution to adolescents’ response to HIV/AIDS preventive practices, followed by sexuality attitudes. Age and gender were not significant. The implications of the research findings are addressed.