The Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Post-Primary and Tertiary School Students in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

A comparative study of the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among post –primary and tertiary school students in Imo state was carried out from January to December 2002. Questionnaires were administered to the respondents to collect vital information before urine sample, vaginal or urethral swab and blood sample were collected. The samples were thereafter analysed using standard techniques. Laboratory findings showed that out of 2,654 post-primary school students aged 11–25years, 371(13.98%) were infected with STDs – (gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, HIV, genital chlamydia and candidiasis) while 629(17.16%) out of 3,666 tertiary school students aged 16–40years, were infected with the same group of STDs. Sex - related prevalence study showed that 220(17.67%) females and 198(14.05%) male post – primary school pupils and 493(21.76%) females and 230 (16.41%) males from tertiary schools were infected with sexually transmitted infections. Age – related prevalence study showed that 130(7.3%) pupils aged 11 – 20 years and 288(32.69%) pupils aged 21 – 25years from post – primary schools and 180(15.97%) respondents aged 16 to 20 years, 279(15.68%) respondents aged 21 to 30 years and 191(25.13%) respondents aged 31 years and above from tertiary schools were infected with sexually transmitted infections. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that there was significant difference (p < 0.05) in the prevalence of STIs between male and female students as well as between older and younger students. This study reveals that STDs are prevalent among students of post – primary and tertiary institutions in Imo State. Keywords: Sexually transmitted infections, post – primary and tertiary studentsNigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences Vol. 6 (2) 2007: pp. 90-95