Sexually transmitted infections

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major global public health problem, especially among youths, causing reproductive health, social, and economic challenges. They are caused by various bacteria, viruses, and parasites, with some curable infections and others requiring lifelong management. Untreated STIs can result in infertility, chronic pain, pregnancy complications, increased HIV risk, and certain cancers. Prevention includes abstinence, consistent condom use, vaccination, limiting sexual partners, and regular testing, though many youths do not practice these consistently. In Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, poor sexual health knowledge, misinformation, peer pressure, and risky behaviours continue to increase STI prevalence among young people. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices towards sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State, with the goal of identifying gaps and recommending effective interventions for STI awareness and prevention. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 633 youths in Ovia North East LGA of Edo State Nigeria, selected by multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from validated tools administered via an online google form with required answers, and analyzed with IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics, chi- square and logistic regression identified predictors at 95% CI with significance at p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 633 respondents participated in the study with a 100% response rate. The mean age of respondents was predominantly within 20–24 years 490 (77.4%), while 364 (57.5%) were females and 621 (98.1%) were single. Majority of respondents had heard of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) 604 (95.4%), with schools (86.4%), social media (78.1%), and health workers (75.7%) as major sources of information. Overall, 593 (93.7%) respondents had good knowledge of STIs, while 481 (76.0%) demonstrated positive attitudes towards STI prevention and management. Preventive practices were generally high, with 604 (95.4%) having good preventive practices; however, only 199 (31.4%) had ever tested for STIs, and 183 (28.9%) had received STI vaccination. Among respondents, 72 (11.4%) reported experiencing STI symptoms, with itching (6.6%), discharge (4.9%), and painful urination (4.3%) being the most xiii common symptoms. Hospitals were the most preferred place for treatment 477 (75.4%), followed by private clinics 107 (16.9%). Despite this, overall utilization of appropriate treatment options was poor, as 586 (92.6%) had poor treatment utilization while only 47 (7.4%) had good treatment utilization. Significant predictors of good preventive practice included positive attitude towards STIs (OR = 2.617, p = 0.041), while predictors of good treatment utilization included increasing age (OR = 1.213, p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: Young people in the study area demonstrated high knowledge, positive attitudes, and good preventive practices regarding sexually transmitted infections. However, uptake of important preventive services such as STI screening and vaccination remained low, while utilization of appropriate treatment options was poor. This gap between knowledge and actual health-seeking behaviour suggests persistent barriers such as stigma, delayed treatment seeking, and limited access to youth-friendly sexual health services. Strengthening sexuality education, expanding confidential screening and vaccination services, and promoting early treatment-seeking behaviour are recommended to improve STI prevention and management among young people.