Psychosocial and Behavioural Factors Associated with STD/AIDS among Dental Students in Lagos Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Sexually transmitted infection (STI) including the Human immune deficiency Virus infection (HIV) cause great morbidity among young adults in Africa. Aim: The study aimed to identify psychosocial and behavioural factors associated with Sexually transmitted infection (STI) including the Human immune deficiency Virus infection (HIV) risk among dental students in the clinical years of the Faculty of Dental Sciences at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos Nigeria. Methods: A convenience sample was selected from 92 enrolled dental students in the clinical years with 61(66%) returning fully filled questionnaires. A standard youth survey developed by FOCUS was used to collect data. Categories considered included sociodemographic factors, knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention, sexual practice and self-efficacy. Results: Majority of respondents seen were females (59%). All respondents were religious with the majority (67%) being Christians . There was a fair to high knowledge of STI/HIV/AIDS prevention among this group, with about 50% apparently understanding what safe sex means and over 80% reporting correct knowledge of prevention of HIV/ AIDS. Possible risk factors in this group were low numbers presenting for voluntary testing, fair use of condoms and not listening to the University radio station. Low risk factors were high knowledge of prevention, high level of education, highly educated parents, high income earning parents, involvement with extracurricular activity e.g. sports, drama etc, abstinence and avoidance of multiple partners. Conclusion: There is a need for consideration of psychosocial factors apart from biological factors in health promotion programmes for these groups. These is also a need to prepare them for professional activities in counselling younger groups and fellow non-medical peers as well as protecting themselves from HIV/AIDS