Prevalence Of Sexually Transmitted Infection In Adolescence Of 13 To 19 Years

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Adolescents, especially those in secondary schools are likely to engage in risky sexual practices and this increase their chances of contacting Sexually transmitted diseases or infections. It is no longer an old tale about the existence of Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as it used to be relegated as superstitious. Just like the popular slogan that “AIDS is real” similarly, Sexually transmitted infections abound but the problem is that adolescents and especially, secondary school students who indulge in sexual practices seem to have little or no knowledge of STIs and the right attitude towards it.

In a bid to explore and experiment on sex and its related activities, adolescents seemingly lurk in total ignorance of the existence, symptoms, mode of transmission, control and right attitude towards Sexually transmitted infections. However, ignorance, they said, is not an excuse to grave consequences of contacting STIs. Sequel to the above statement, the problem of this study simply addressed in a question form is; what do adolescents in secondary schools know on the symptoms, mode of transmission and control of Sexually transmitted infections. Also, what is the attitude of secondary school students in Nsukka Education zone towards STIs.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to find out the prevalence of sexually transmitted infection in adolescence of 13 to 19 years in Nsukka Education Zone. Specifically, the study aims at the following:

i. To ascertain the level of knowledge of students on the signs and symptoms of STIs.

ii. To find out the extent to which the students know of the mode of transmission.

iii. To ascertain their knowledge of the control of STIs

iv. To find out the attitude of students towards STIs.

v. To determine the influence of gender on students level of knowledge of STIs.

1.4 Research Questions

To carry out the study, the following research questions were formulated to guide the study,

i. What is the level of knowledge of students on the signs and symptoms of STIs?

ii. To what extent do students know the modes of transmission of STIs? 

iii. To what extent are students aware of the control of STIs? 

iv. What are the students’ attitudes towards STIs? 

v. What are the influence of gender on students’ level of knowledge of STIs?

1.5 Hypotheses 

The following null hypotheses will be tested at 0.05 level of significance to guide the study.

HO1: There is no significant difference between the mean responses of male and female students on their knowledge of various STIs.

HO2: There is no significant difference between the mean scores on attitude of students towards STIs based on gender.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study if published will be of immense benefits to the ministry of Education, teachers, parents, curriculum developers and the general public.

It is hoped that the findings of this study will spur the Federal Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education to articulate effective programmes on sex education for Secondary School Students. It is hoped that these ministries will train and equip peer educators who will further educate secondary school students on the right knowledge and attitude towards Sexually transmitted infections; steering through it’s related health hazards and consequences.

The study will also help teachers and counselors to know and acknowledge students knowledge and attitude to Sexually transmitted infections and how best they can help students in the area of sexuality.

The result of the study will help to reawaken parents and teachers on their roles in educating the adolescents on sexual matters. It will at the same time help to challenge our adolescents to healthy sexual relationships in order to avoid contacting HIV virus and STIs, unwanted pregnancies and abortion among others. To the general public, it is hoped that the findings of this study will; and especially Elders and the Clergy, they would also acknowledge their personal dispositions to guard the adolescents in words and action towards wholesome

attitude and knowledge to Sexually transmitted infections.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study is designed to find the level of knowledge and attitude of Secondary School students of Nsukka Educational Zone towards Sexually transmitted infections. The study will investigate the students’ knowledge and attitude towards Sexually transmitted infections, focusing on signs and symptoms, mode of transmission, and control.

1.8 Limitation of study

Finance,inadequate materials and time constraint were the challenges the researchers encountered during the course of the study

1.9 definition of terms

Sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) usually pass from one person to another through sexual contact. Most are fairly common, and effective.

HIV

HIV is a virus that damages the immune system. Untreated HIV affects and kills CD4 cells, which are a type of immune cell called T cell.