Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections with Focus on HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B among Secondary School Adolescents in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are a serious public health issue among adolescents because they often have

limited knowledge and insufficient access to health services. Good knowledge of STIs, hepatitis B (HB) and the risk

of developing diseases is essential to engage in preventive actions. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge

of STIs, including HIV/AIDS and HB among adolescents attending secondary school education in Ekiti State.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was used in selecting 669 participants among secondary school adolescents from

Ekiti State, Nigeria, through a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using semi-structured, pre

tested, self-administered questionnaires. SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis. The descriptive statistics

involved percentages, sample mean, and frequency tables. Inferential statistics such as Chi-square were used to

test for associations between categorical variables. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

The study included a total of 357 females (53.4%) and 312 males (46.6%), with 256 (38.3%) of participants below 14

years old, and 407 (61,7%) older than 14 years old.611 (91.3%) subjects had awareness of HIV/AIDS, and 233 (34.8%)

of participants were aware of the Hb virus. 330 (49.3%) of students had good knowledge of STIs, and the remaining

339 (50.7%) of subjects were poorly informed on this topic. Being a male and age 14 years and above were

significantly associated with good knowledge of STIs.

Conclusions

Awareness of HB infection is very low among adolescents from Ekiti state, Nigeria, and their knowledge of STDs is

poor as well. Being a male and older adolescents are factors associated with having more knowledge of STIs. It is

recommended that comprehensive education concerning STIs and sexually transmitted diseases and associated

diseases should be started much earlier in life and especially for female adolescents.