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Sexual exposure and knowledge of sexually transmitted infections among senior secondary school students in an urban local government area of Edo state


EP Ekop
OO Ande
ABA Ande

Abstract

Background: The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is on the increase globally and this is worse in developing countries. Prevention programmes are commonly targeted at adults but the incidence among teenagers is increasing. Knowledge of the features and complications as well as prevention among this age group is needed to empower them to make informed choices.
Aim: The study is to evaluate sexual exposure and knowledge of STIs among senior secondary students and proffer recommendations to improve their reproductive health.
Method: Pre-tested structured questionnaires were administered to senior class students in 4 randomly selected co-educational secondary schools. The scoring system used to evaluate knowledge was pre-determined and the responses were analysed using SPSS statistical software.
Results: 707 questionnaires were analysed. Knowledge of the types of STIs, their symptoms and complications were generally poor with no significant difference between age groups, religion or gender. There was good knowledge of HIV and prevention of STIs. 25% of the respondents were sexually exposed, 45% of whom had their first sexual exposure between the ages of 15 and 18 years. 92% of those who had never been sexually exposed knew about HIV as against 79% of those who were sexually exposed. Respondents in SSS-3 had better knowledge of the STIs than those in lower classes. 66% of the males and 73% of females had good health seeking behaviour. 73% of those who had never been sexually exposed had good health seeking behaviour while only 59% of
the sexually exposed had good health seeking behaviour. 33% of the respondents had good knowledge of the complications of STIs in the male while only 5% of them had good knowledge of complications in the female.
Conclusion: The knowledge of STIs among the respondent senior secondary school students was poor. Programmes and interventions need to be intensified and targeted at this vulnerable group for early empowerment to make appropriate reproductive health decisions.

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