Knowledge on Sexually Transmitted Infections among school-going adolescents in the Sunyani West District of Ghana

Abstract

The physiological and behavioural characteristics associated with adolescence increase the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections which may have devastating effects on their sexual and reproductive health. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of sexually transmitted infections of school going adolescents in the Sunyani West District of Ghana. A cross-sectional study design was used in gathering appropriate survey data from 316 senior high school students. Descriptive and univariate analyses were conducted using STATA version 14.0 software. The age group 16 - 18 years were the majority of respondents. More male than female adolescents knew about all four areas of knowledge as regards sexually transmitted infections. The study showed a statistically significant association (P = 0.001) between level of knowledge of sexually transmitted infections among adolescents and their class/form. Adolescents had good knowledge about sexually transmitted infections despite some misconceptions that could affect their sexual behaviour. Educational levels of students have to be considered in the design of sex education curriculum.