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Abstract:
Background The adolescent age is the period of sexual identity when adolescents make sense of their feeling and turn them into actions. This stage requires adequate knowledge of sexual behaviours so that adolescents will not rely on peer group for information. This is because of the far reaching effects it may have on them and the society at large due to misinformation and the consequences of the high risk sexual behaviours they may engage in like sexually transmitted infections (STI). This study therefore aims at accessing the knowledge and sources of information of STDs among adolescents in the Okpokwu local government area of Benue State, North central region of Nigeria. Methodology This was a prospective cross-sectional descriptive survey using a multistage sampling technique. A complete list of all the private and public secondary schools in Okpokwu LGA was obtained from the Ministry of Education and using systematic random sampling method, 3 private and 3 public secondary schools were chosen. A table of random numbers was employed to select a sample size of 272 respondents. Data was collected using a pretested self administered questionnaire. Results A total of 272 questionnaires were administered to (SS1), (SS2) and (SS3) students in the study area and in all 272 were retrieved representing 100% return rate. The study made use of tables and simple percentages to present the data retrieved from the field. Findings revealed that over 90% of adolescents in the study area were aware of sexually transmitted infections (STI). The major source of information about STI was radio/Tv 85% and over 80% could name only one type of STI. The main sources of transmission of STI were unprotected sex (87.9%), needles and syringes (84.9%) and blood and blood products (62.5%); while the most frequently mentioned symptoms of STI were weight loss (77.9%) and painful micturition (73.5%). Overall most of the respondents (81.5%) had fair knowledge of STI. Conclusion The study suggests that mass enlightenment programmes in schools by government and other relevant agencies in the study area is key to adequate knowledge of STDs in the area.
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