SEXUAL BEHAVIOR

This study examined sexual behavioural patterns and sexually transmitted infections among young adults in Edo South senatorial district of Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to ascertain the age at first sexual intercourse of the young population ages 10-24 years, ascertain if any association exists between young population age at first sexual intercourse and religious belief, ascertain incidence of contract of sexually transmitted infections by the young adult population, observe the “health seeking’’ behavior of young adult population when infected with these sexually transmitted infections, and ascertain the extent of young adult population knowledge of HIV/AIDS’ transmission. A sample size of 800 was used for this study. The sample size were chosen bearing in mind the time, finance and feasibility of the study. Out of the 800 questionnaires that were sent out for the study, about 783 were fully completed. Information gathered from the questionnaire was coded and recorded on the spreadsheets. From here they were fielded into the computer for statistical analysis using the SPSS computer software. In all percentages and proportions, pie and bar charts were used for data interpretation. The
chi-square test of significance and F-ratio were used to test the hypotheses. Findings from the study reveals that a greater number of youth of ages (10-24) years of both sexes are engaged in schooling activities. The population of the youth increases with age. The youth comprises slightly more males than females. That they are more engaged at school indicates rising age at marriage. Thus there is reduced likelihood of early marriages and associated consequences. The full embrace of education by youth is of benefit to the individuals as well as to the Nation in thence of skilled man power development. The study then recommended that preventive programs should focus on developing positive attitude toward infected persons in a way that they are not discriminated against, reproductive health information, including STDs should be included in university curriculum in order to enhance student knowledge and attitude regarding STDs prevention, free HIV testing should be inculcated into the undergraduate students my management in order to be able to receive HIV testing without financial burden. This action may increase the rate of HIV testing among the student population and in turn reduce rates of transmission. It was also recommended that students’ sources of information should be increased in terms of mass media and health education regarding the spread of STDs on campus, and STDs prevention programme should be developed
and implemented by the university to promote changes in attitude in order to prevent the spread of STDs

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain a significant public health concern among adolescents, particularly in developing countries where knowledge gaps, risky sexual practices, and inadequate preventive strategies persist. This study examined the knowledge, attitude, and practices of risky sexual behavior associated with STDs among adolescents in public secondary schools in Benin City. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected from a stratified sample of students using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The findings revealed varying levels of awareness of STDs, with a notable proportion of respondents demonstrating misconceptions regarding modes of transmission and prevention. While some adolescents exhibited positive attitudes toward safe sexual practices, a considerable number engaged in behaviors that increase their susceptibility to STDs, including unprotected sexual intercourse and multiple sexual partnerships. The study further identified sociocultural influences, peer pressure, and inadequate sexual health education as contributing factors to risky sexual behavior. Based on these findings, it is recommended that comprehensive sexuality education be integrated into the school curriculum, alongside peer-led interventions and community sensitization programs, to promote safer sexual practices and reduce the prevalence of STDs among adolescents in Benin City