Awareness of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Including HIV/AIDS among Undergraduate Students of University of Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: To assess knowledge of students of the University of Abuja about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS by determining their knowledge about the types, routes of transmission and symptoms of STIs including HIV/AIDS and the preventive measures available. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study of non medical undergraduate students. Place and Duration of Study: University of Abuja, Nigeria. Between September, 2012 and February, 2013. Methodology: Stratified random sampling method was used in the administration of a detailed semi structured questionnaire which identified socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of STIs including HIV/AIDS, routes of transmission, symptoms and preventive measures. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics as well as cross tabulation of some of the variables. Results: Knowledge about STIs (87.4%) and HIV/AIDS (91%) was relatively high; most known types of STIs were gonorrhea (89.3%) and syphilis (81.2%). Television was the highest source of knowledge (82%), then school education (81.5%). Knowledge of routes of transmission was varied with sexual intercourse (93%), blood transfusion (90.7%) and sharing sharp objects (83.7%) having the highest values. 23.6% of the respondents had the misconception that STIs and HIV/AIDS can be transmitted through sharing toilets, eating utensils, witchcraft and kisses. Knowledge about symptoms of HIV/AIDS were shared but more respondents chose weight loss (84.3%), fever off and on (74.4%) and itchy skin rash (68.3%); there was varied knowledge of preventive measures with condom use (88.2%), abstinence (86.2%) and faithfulness to one uninfected partner (79.8%) having higher values. Conclusion: The students’ knowledge about STIs and HIV/AIDS was high with some misconception about the routes of transmission. There should be incorporation of STIs and HIV/AIDS education in the University curriculum by making it part of the General Studies courses in the universities in Nigeria.