Knowledge on sexual transmitted infections among secondary school students in Myamagana District, Tanzania
- Mwanza, Tanzania: Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences [CUHAS – Bugando] : 21.01.2022
- x; 34 Pages Includes References and Appendices
Abstract:
Background: In Tanzania, it is considered a taboo for teachers and parents to talk with children about sexual matters including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in schools and at home because of cultural and religious barriers. Political pressure also keeps sexual education and thus education on STDs out of classrooms. Generally, there is disagreement over STDs education on what to teach, by whom, and to what extent.
Objectives: To assess the knowledge of STDs, and attitude towards sexual behavior and STDs among secondary school students. Methods: This was a cross- sectional study using a semi-structured questionnaire. A sample size of 248 students was determined by simple random sampling.
Results: Majority of the students (100%) said have heard about STDs; however their knowledge of the symptoms associated with STDs was poor. Similarly 244 (97.6%) students knew unprotected sexual intercourse as means of STDs transmission. Only 27(10.8%) students were capable of identifying the role of vaccine in preventing STDs, 57(22.8%) students noticed that they are at risk group of acquiring STDs.
Conclusions: The level of knowledge about STDs is inadequate with regard to the students’ levels of education. Female students are more vulnerable to STDs compared to male counterparts. Mass media is still the more effective means of educating the students on STDs.