Background: AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since it was first recognized in 1981, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded human history. HIV is most transmitted sexually and from mother to child during birth or breastfeeding. The epidemic among adolescents is the fastest growing partly because of their vulnerability and low use of preventive services. This study assessed HIV risk-related behaviours and knowledge of HIV/AIDS and its prevention among unmarried adolescents in Kano metropolis.
Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study design was used to examine 288 randomly selected adolescents in Kano from April to June 2011 using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Their responses were collated and analyzed using Epi Info 3.2.05 computer statistical software.
Results: Majority of the respondents were in their late adolescence (80.5%), males (50.7%), Hausa/Fulani (90%), and had at least secondary school education (86.5%). Most had heard of HIV/AIDS (93.3%), and 53.9% had good knowledge of HIV/AIDS and its prevention. Less than a quarter (11.7%) had initiated sexual intercourse before the age of 15 years; 9.2% had multiple sexual partners; and condom at intercourse was inconsistent in 13.1%. Alcohol consumption was reported by 9(3.2%), and 7(2.5%) admitted having sexual intercourse while drunk. Similarly, 8 (2.8%) reported injecting or taking illicit drugs; and 7 (2.5%) reported having sexual intercourse while under the influence of drugs.

Conclusion: HIV/AIDS risk behaviours are high among adolescents in Kano despite their fair knowledge of HIV/AIDS and its prevention. There is need for targeted behavioural change interventions for at risk families as well as vulnerable adolescents in schools and out of schools.