Education level, students’ knowledge and attitude towards STIs in selected secondary schools in Kisoro municipality, Western Uganda

Abstract

Understanding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is crucial for preventing their spread, especially among secondary school students who, as adolescents, are more vulnerable to STIs. However, the lack of information on secondary students' knowledge of STIs hampers development of health education programmes for secondary schools. The objective of this study was to establish the students’ knowledge about STIs and HIV/AIDS, and their attitudes towards prevention of STIs. Data were collected using a cross-sectional survey design in which respondents filled out a structured questionnaire. The results demonstrate a knowledge gap among Ordinary- and Advanced-level students regarding the types, symptoms, causes, and prevention of STIs. The main conclusion is that education level partially explains the association between knowledge of types of STIs and HIV/AIDS, as well as attitude towards prevention. To reduce disparity in knowledge, continued sensitization of students about STIs and HIV/AIDS is recommended.