Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections among in-School Adolescents in a Selected School in the Rural Area of Ikeduru, ImoState
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47363/JIDSCR/2023(4)177Keywords:
Knowledge, In-School Adolescents, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Neisseria Gonorrhea, Treponema PallidumAbstract
Introduction: This study investigated the knowledge of sexually transmitted infections among in-school adolescents in the rural area of Ikeduru Imo State. The study also identified the extent to which the adolescents are aware of the mode of STIs transmission.
Materials and Method: A total sample of 278 students in Senior Secondary classes was used for the study. Cross-sectional descriptive design was adopted for the study. Administered questionnaire comprising open-ended and closed-ended questions served as instrument for data collection.
Results: Results obtained showed that majority of the respondents, 220 (79.1%) are aware of STIs yet 43(15.5%) do not have knowledge of types of STIs. Further finding showed that 130(46.8%) of the respondents identified HIV/AIDS as the main type of STIs individuals are exposed to. A good number of the respondents 152 (54.7%), had the view that STIs are transmitted by having sexual activity with fellow students who are infected. The respondents’ main knowledge of the complications of STIs 62(22.3) was infertility. However, the popular reason 87(31.3%) of the respondents had for preventing STIs was to avoid pregnancy.
Conclusion: The fact that a good number of the in-school adolescents had poor knowledge of different types of STIs as well as the mode of transmission underscores the need for health workers to intensify sex education to in-school adolescents in the rural areas.
