Evaluating Knowledge, Preventive Measures, and Treatment Awareness Regarding Gonorrhea Among Adolescents and Adults in Sagbama, Bayelsa State

Abstract

Background of study: Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, prevention, and treatment of gonorrhea among those aged 15 – 25 in Sagbama, Bayelsa State.Method: A descriptive study design was used. The population of the study comprises all the aged 15 – 25 years in Sagbama town. The questionnaire was used to select one hundred (100) respondents for the study. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 25, and expressed using frequency distribution tables and percentages.Results: The result revealed that 55% of the respondents have a fair knowledge of gonorrhea while 45% of the respondents had a low knowledge about gonorrhea. 62% of the respondents have good knowledge of the prevention of gonorrhea while 38% of the respondents have low knowledge of the prevention of gonorrhea. Also, the results revealed that 56(56%) of the respondents affirmed that ceftriaxone 500mg IM in a single dose be administered for persons weighing <150kg as a means of gonorrhea treatment, 28(28%) said no while 15(15%) of the respondents have no idea. 49(49%) agree that for persons weighing >150kg, should 1g ceftriaxone.Conclusion: This study clearly identifies adequate knowledge, prevention, and treatment of gonorrhea. This reported knowledge of adequate knowledge, prevention, and treatment of gonorrhea might be due to the participant's information sheet containing detailed information about the study provided for them to read before undertaking this study. However, we suggest further study in the local council areas.