Pattern and Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among Undergraduates Attending University Health Care Centre in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections are responsible for a variety of health problems, and can have serious consequences on reproductive health of the adolescents and young adults. Thus this study was designed retrospectively to explore the pattern and management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among undergraduates attending University health care centre within the period of six years between January 2007 and December, 2012. It was a descriptive cross sectional research study and data collection was done with the aid of a self developed checklist. Data obtained were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS-20.0). The results showed that 11770 undergraduates visited the health care centre within the study period, of which 342 (2.91%) presented with STIs. Trichomoniasis accounted for 155(45.3%) of the 342 STIs cases seen. The other STIs identified were gonorrhoea, 112(32.7%), candidiasis, 23(6.7%), chlamydiasis, 6(1.8%) and syphilis, 4(1.2%). It was also observed that 37(10.8) of the identified STIs were co-infections, and co-infection of Candida albicans (candidiasis) with Trichomonas vaginalis (trichomoniasis) 14(1.2%) as the most prevalent. Furthermore, the study showed the highest record of STIs was reported among 100 level students with 192(56.1%) cases while the least was recorded among the 500 level students with 2(0.6%). The study concluded that STIs with 2.91% prevalence must be regarded as significant notorious and real health burden on undergraduates, especially among the year one undergraduate students. It was recommended that enlightenment programmes on the prevention of sexually transmitted infections should be performed during the orientation of newly admitted students and routinely for old students.