Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Young Undergraduate Students in a Nigerian Tertiary Institution in South-South Nigeria

Abstract

Globallyover 40 million people are estimated to be living with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS .The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among young undergraduate students in a Nigerian tertiary institution.Descriptive cross-sectional study and multistage sampling technique were used to get data from 210 respondents who were young adults in Auchi polytechnic. Questionnaires were self -administered to collect data on sexually transmitted infections. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 26th version and the results were presented. Statistical significance of p < 0.05 and confidence limit of 95% was used.Majority of respondents, 120 (57.1%) were female. Majority of respondents 180 (86%) possessed good knowledge on STIs. Majority of respondents had good attitude towards STI 202 (96%). The estimated prevalence was gonorrhea 29(38.0%), syphilis 14(18.0%) ,among others. Knowledge and attitude was statistically significantly associated (p<0.001).Drug, alcohol and sex with commercial sex workers the association was found to be statistically significant (p <0.001).Conclusively, the majority of the respondents were sexually active, with the larger proportion starting sexual activity at a young age and a high prevalence of sexual intercourse. The majority of the respondents were aware of STIs and had a good knowledge score and attitude towards STIs, however a sizable number of the respondents had multiple sexual partners which could invariably increase the prevalence of STIs, therefore there is need for STI interventions targeted to young adults and students in tertiary institutions.