Teenagers

Typhoid fever remains a significant public health concern in developing countries, particularly among adolescents who are highly exposed to poor sanitation and unsafe water sources. Typhoid fever is a systemic infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, transmitted primarily through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the feces or urine of infected persons. This study examined the prevalence of typhoid fever among teenagers in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data analysis. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents demonstrated a high level of knowledge about the causes, symptoms, and prevention of typhoid fever. However, the prevalence of typhoid fever among teenagers was considerably high, as over 60% reported having contracted the disease at least once. Preventive practices such as regular handwashing, proper waste disposal, and consumption of treated water were moderately observed, though vaccination uptake remained low. Statistical analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between knowledge level and preventive practices, implying that improved awareness enhances health behavior among teenagers. The study concludes that while knowledge of typhoid fever is relatively high, poor sanitation and inconsistent preventive measures contribute to its continued prevalence

Background: HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health challenge, particularly among adolescentswhofaceheightenedvulnerabilityduetosocial,economic,andbehavioralfactors.
Peer education has emerged as an effective strategy to bridge knowledge gaps and promote
preventive behaviors among teenagers. This study explores the role of peer educators in HIV/AIDS prevention among teenagers in Uselu, Egor Local Government Area, Edo State,
Nigeria.
Objective: The study assessed the level of HIV/AIDS knowledge among teenagers, assess teenagers’ attitudes toward HIV/AIDS prevention strategies, assess the acceptability of peer
educators as a method for HIV/AIDS prevention and identify factors influencing the
effectiveness of peer-led educational interventions.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 426 teenagers in Uselu. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire
that assessed knowledge, attitudes, and peer education acceptability. Univariate, bivariate,
and logistic regression analyses with statistical significance set at p<0.05 were performed
usingIBMSPSSversion25.0.
Results: Findings revealed that majority (96.5%) of respondents demonstrated good HIV/AIDS knowledge, although gaps persisted, particularly regarding mother-to-child
transmission. While 91.8% had a positive attitude toward HIV/AIDS prevention strategies,
concerns over limited access to condoms and routine HIV screening were noted. Peer
educators were highly accepted (76.5%), with teenagers acknowledging their effectiveness,
relatability, and ability to influence behavior. However, barriers such as shyness and time
constraints affected engagement in peer-led sessions.
Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of peer education as a viable strategy for HIV/AIDS prevention among teenagers. Expanding youth-friendly health services,
strengthening school-based sex education, and leveraging digital platforms for HIV
awareness are essential for improving intervention effectiveness. Addressing engagement
barriers will optimize peer-led programs, fostering healthier attitudes and behaviors toward
HIV/AIDS prevention in Nigerian adolescents.