Journal article
Knowledge, prevalence, and risk factors for self-reported sexually transmitted diseases among University Students in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone Journal of Biomedical Research, Vol.14(2), pp.81-91
12/12/2023
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Abstract
Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a worldwide health concern. Students often engage in sexual activity while away at college, putting themselves at risk for STDs, unintended pregnancies, and unsafe abortions 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 questionnaire. Multinomial logistic regression analyses and Pearson chi-square were employed through SPSS version 26 to identify factors associated with sexually transmitted infections. The odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was computed to determine the level of association. 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 positive test for STIs among the sexually active 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.
Details
- Title
- Knowledge, prevalence, and risk factors for self-reported sexually transmitted diseases among University Students in Sierra Leone
- Creators
- Augustus Osborne - University of NewcastlePeter Bai James - Southern Cross UniversityCamilla Bangura - Njala University (Freetown, Sierra Leone)Samuel Maxwell Tom Williams - Njala University (Freetown, Sierra Leone)Richard Wadsworth - Njala University (Freetown, Sierra Leone)Aiah Lebbie - Njala University (Freetown, Sierra Leone)
- Publication Details
- Sierra Leone Journal of Biomedical Research, Vol.14(2), pp.81-91
- Publisher
- University of Sierra Leone * College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences
- Number of pages
- 11
- Identifiers
- 991013233613802368
- Copyright
- © Sierra Leone Journal of Biomedical Research.
- Academic Unit
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article