Knowledge, prevalence, and risk factors for self-reported sexually transmitted diseases among University Students in Sierra Leone

Abstract

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a worldwide health concern. Students often engage in sexual acKvity while away at college, puVng themselves at risk for STDs, unintended pregnancies, and unsafe aborKons because of their lack of parental supervision. This research aimed to determine the prevalence of STDs and the variables that contribute to their spread among Sierra Leonean University students.

Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 340 Njala University  students selected using the multistage  sampling technique in August 2022. The data were  collected using a structured, pre-tested self-administered quesKonnaire. Multinomial  logistic regression analyses and Pearson chi-square were employed through SPSS version 26 to identify factors associated with sexually  transmitted infections. The odds raKo with a 95% confidence  interval was computed to determine the level of associaKon. In the  regression analysis, variables  with a p-value of less than 5% were considered statically significant associations between  covariates and  sexually transmitted infections. 

Result: The prevalence of a posiKve test for STIs among the sexually acKve respondents was found  to be  (33.6%). The knowledge of STIs among the respondents was very high (90.6%). All  respondents in the various age groups (16-20,  21-25, 26-30, 31-35, 36-40 and 41-450) were  likelier to have good knowledge of STIs with OR >1 and p < 0.05. 

Conclusion: Self-reported  STI infection rates among Sierra Leonean University students were  relatively high. Therefore, it is crucial to educate students about the  dangers of sexual promiscuity  and the need to continue using condoms.