KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs) AMONG EDO STATE UNIVERSITY (EDSU) STUDENTS

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the knowledge and perception of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among students of Edo State University (EDSU), Uzairue. University students are particularly vulnerable to STIs due to risky sexual behaviours, inadequate knowledge, and misconceptions. Objectives were to assess awareness, determine knowledge of risk factors, and identify preventive measures used by students. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted, with data collected via structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Globally, more than one million curable STIs are acquired every day, with the World Health Organization attributing roughly 376 million new infections annually to four curable STIs alone: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis (World Health Organization, 2018). More recent global surveillance data indicate that several STIs are on the rise, with new syphilis cases among adults increasing by more than a million between 2020 and 2022 (World Health Organization, 2024).

University students represent a population group that is particularly vulnerable to STIs. Evidence from Nigerian tertiary institutions supports this concern: a large-scale study of undergraduates at the University of Ibadan found that while awareness of at least one STI, particularly HIV, was high among students, more detailed knowledge of the full range of STIs, their symptoms, and modes of transmission was considerably weaker (West, Odion, Elizabeth, & Ebuka, 2023). Similarly, an earlier study of Nigerian university students found that although students were generally aware of HIV/AIDS, this awareness did not consistently translate into a realistic perception of personal risk or into safer sexual practices (Ike & Aniebue, 2007). A study of sexually active young people in urban slum communities in Ibadan found that although respondents demonstrated basic HIV/AIDS knowledge and high perceived risk, risky sexual behaviour remained common and protective measure use remained poor (Adedimeji, Omololu, & Odutolu, 2007).

Edo State University (EDSU), Uzairue, like other tertiary institutions in Nigeria, hosts a large population of young adults within the reproductive and sexually active age range, making it essential to understand awareness, knowledge, and perception of STIs in this specific context.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Sexually transmitted infections continue to pose a significant health challenge among Nigerian university students, in line with global trends showing rising STI incidence (World Health Organization, 2018, 2024). Research at the University of Ibadan found that detailed knowledge of STIs beyond basic HIV awareness remained limited (West et al., 2023), while broader evidence shows that even reasonably high awareness and perceived risk often fail to translate into consistent protective behaviour (Adedimeji, Omololu, & Odutolu, 2007). At Edo State University specifically, there is a notable gap in context-specific data on student knowledge, risk perception, and preventive practice, without which targeted health education interventions are difficult to design.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To assess the level of awareness of STIs among students in Edo State University.
2. To determine the knowledge of risk factors of STIs among students in Edo State University.
3. To identify preventive measures used in the management of STIs among students in Edo State University.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the level of awareness of STIs among students in Edo State University?
2. What is the level of knowledge of risk factors of STIs among students in Edo State University?
3. What preventive measures are used in the management of STIs among students in Edo State University?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Beneficial to students, university health services and counselling units, public health practitioners and policy makers, parents/guardians, and future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the Study

Limited to awareness, knowledge of risk factors, and preventive practices relating to STIs among students of Edo State University, Uzairue, across faculties and levels.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

Possible social desirability bias in self-reported sexual health data; time and financial constraints limiting sample size; some students hesitant on sensitive questions.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Infections primarily spread through sexual contact. Knowledge: Information and understanding an individual possesses about STIs. Perception: An individual's interpretation or view of a phenomenon. Awareness: Being informed of the existence and implications of STIs. Risk Factors: Conditions or behaviours increasing likelihood of infection. Preventive Measures: Actions taken to reduce risk of infection. University Students: Individuals enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate programmes.

REFERENCES

Adedimeji, A. A., Omololu, F. O., & Odutolu, O. (2007). HIV risk perception and constraints to protective behaviour among young slum dwellers in Ibadan, Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 11(2), 159–171.

Ike, S. O., & Aniebue, P. N. (2007). HIV/AIDS perception and sexual behavior among Nigerian university students. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice, 10(2), 105–110.

West, S., Odion, F., Elizabeth, A., & Ebuka, E. (2023). Knowledge of sexually transmitted infections and risk perception among undergraduates of University of Ibadan, Ibadan, South West, Nigeria. IMSEAR Repository, 12, 46–58.

World Health Organization. (2018). Report on global sexually transmitted infection surveillance 2018. WHO.

World Health Organization. (2024). Global progress report on HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections, 2024. WHO.