Sexually transmitted infection awareness and attitudes among medical students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a significant global health burden, particularly among young adults. Despite growing awareness of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, knowledge and preventive practices for other STIs remain inadequate. Medical students, as future health care provider, could play a critical role in STI prevention and education. Objective: To assess the knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and preventive behaviours related to STIs among medical students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 392 students from the College of Medical Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. Participants completed structured selfadministered questionnaires addressing socio-demographic characteristics, STI knowledge, sexual practices, and attitudes. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20, and a chi-square test was used to assess associations between demographic variables and STI behaviours. Results: Over 90% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of STIs, including transmission routes, symptoms, complications, and prevention. Despite this, only 25.5% consistently used protection, and 49.2% had never undergone STI testing. About 68.6% of students were sexually active, and 11.7% had previously been diagnosed with an STI. Gender- and agebased differences in STI practices were not statistically significant. Healthcare professionals were the most commonly cited source of STI information. Conclusion: While awareness of STIs was high among respondents, protective practices and screening behaviours were suboptimal. There is a critical need for behaviour-focused interventions and strengthened campus health services to close the knowledge–practice gap.