Pages: (73-81 )
Abstract
Young adults tend to underestimate their risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). An estimated 27% of young adults are
reported to be sexually active and most are students in the university and consider themselves at low or no risk when they are actually at moderate to high risk of contracting STDs. The aim of the study was to determine the Knowledge and Perceived risk of STIs among Babcock University Students. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design to collect information from three hundred and eighty undergraduates of Babcock University enrolled in the study by stratified sampling technique following obtaining consent to participate. Data were collected using validated structured questionnaire and analyzed using the computerassisted software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17 to generate frequency distribution of responses. Results showed that the age of 71 (57%) respondents were between 20-24 years. All respondents had heard of STDs and 250 (83.3%) of the respondents reported first receiving information about STDs from their school. Respondents' level of knowledge was 19 measured on a 25-point rating scale indicating a high level of knowledge. There was an average level of perceived risk with a mean score of 28±6.83 on a scale of 44-point scale. In conclusion, Babcock University undergraduates are aware of STDs but think they are not at any significant risk of infection because they believe that they are not exposed. Hence, there is need to create STD awareness days to sensitize the students on the consequences of risky sexual behavior.
Keywords: Awareness, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Young Adult, Undergraduates, Sexually active,