DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2024.v12i05.024

Pages: 655-664

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose significant public health challenges globally, particularly among adolescents. Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the awareness, knowledge, and preventive measures regarding STIs among teenage girls attending Iyoba College in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Method: A total of 303 participants, were included in the study. This research is a cross sectional study; a multivariable questionnaire was designed to provide answers to some questions and gather data from the respondents. Ethical approval was obtained from relevant health and education Ministries in Edo state, as well as the school management. Results: Mean age of participants was 16.1 years. Findings revealed that television (52.1%) and radio (31%) were the primary sources of STI information, with varying levels of awareness regarding transmission modes. Despite a generally high level of awareness, misconceptions persisted regarding transmission routes, with 37.6% attributing STI transmission to activities other than sexual intercourse. Among the participants, 12(4%) were found to be infected, primarily with STI, with hospital consultations being the main source of diagnosis (58.3%). Symptoms such as burning sensations during urination (75%) were commonly reported among infected individuals. Furthermore, a notable proportion (11.2%) believed STIs to be uncontrollable. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for comprehensive sex education within school curricula to enhance understanding and promote effective preventive measures among adolescent populations.