OVERVIEW OF PREVENTION, PRACTICE AND EFFECT OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AMONG UNDERGRADUATES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to examine the knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases among undergraduate students of university of Benin. Four (4) research questions were raised and answered to guide the study. The study made use of descriptive survey research design. The population of the study consisted of seventy-seven thousand (77,000) undergraduate students in all the fifteen (15) faculties of University of Benin. The sample size for this study was 120 respondents selected purposively from eight (8) faculties of the University of Benin. The research instrument used for data collection was the self-structured questionnaire drafted by the researcher with twenty research items which answered the research questions. The administered questionnaire was face and content validated. To ascertain the reliability of the instrument, the test-retest method was used and the data collected was analysed with Cronbach alpha statistic and a coefficient score of 0.62 was obtained, meaning the instrument was reliable. The generated data were carefully collated and analysed with the used of frequency count, simple percentage, and mean score value. Based on the result of the data analysed, the study found out that there is a high level of general knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases among undergraduate students of University of Benin;. The study therefore concluded that using condoms consistently, comprehensive sex education programs, regular STD testing and screening, abstaining from sexual activity or reducing the number of sexual partners and access to affordable and confidential healthcare services are effective measures for the prevention of STDs and risky sexual behaviours among undergraduate students of University of Benin. It was therefore recommended that since comprehensive sex education programs were identified as effective measures for preventing STDs and risky sexual behaviors, the University Management should consider enhancing and expanding these programs. This could include incorporating topics such as healthy relationships, consent, and communication skills alongside information about STD prevention