CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

  Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are those infections that are contracted mainly through sexual intercourse (Taylor et Al…2010). They include curable ones like Gonorrhea, Syphilis and Chlamydia infection as well as incurable but modifiable ones like HIV, Herpes Simplex, Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) and Hepatitis B infections (World Health Organization Center 2013). The diseases caused by STIs are classified based on the type of organism causing the infection which could be bacteria, fungi, viral or parasitic origin (Edem et Al 2013). Adolescents and young adults aged 18 – 24 are more at risk for STIs than older adults. The WHO estimates that 20% of persons living with HIV/AIDS are in their 20s and one out of twenty adolescents’ contract an STI each year (Olasode O.A 2007). Youths are more likely to practice unprotected sex, have multiple sexual partners and have Trans generational and transactional sex. The cervical lining in female adolescents and young women make them more predisposed to STIs. In addition, they may have problems getting the required information, services and supplies they need to avoid STIs. They may also experience difficulties in accessing STI prevention services because they do not know where to find them, do not have transportation to get there or cannot pay for the services. Even if they can obtain STI prevention services, they may not feel comfortable in places that are not youth friendly (M. C. Thigpen, P. M Kebaabetswe, Paxton et al., 2012).

Globally, young people under the age of 25 years’ experience over 250 million new cases of STIs annually (WHO,2008). Studies from many developing unprotected sex (Tengia.Keisy A 2002). Several factors have been reported to discourage the use of preventive measures against STIs amongst the youth population subgroup. Issues like condoms reducing sexual pleasure, financially constraints and social norms that perpetuate women’s subordination as well as traditional views of manhood have been incriminated (Eaton L, 2003).

 Young people between the ages of 18 and 24 years comprise the largest and fastest growing population in Sub Saharan Africa. In 1995, the population of this age group grew by 56% and in Nigeria it accounted for more than 30 million of its estimated 150 million (Tengia – Keisy T and Kamugisha H 2009) and biological factors coupled with early sexual initiation and unprotected sexual activities expose the youth to the risk of contracting STIs including the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection.  Also, it was estimated that the number of adolescents with STIs is increasing by about 100 million a year in developed countries. Infections with Gonorrhea and Syphilis amongst other STIs are widely distributed in Africa and in Cameroon which constitute a public health problem especially as prevalence is unexpectedly high in adolescents in Cameroon (Dora Mbanya, Martyn Sama 2008).

Historically, knowledge about STIs have been very low even in communities where there is high prevalence of STIs. There may be lack of concern about STIs because they may be viewed as easily curable (Magnani RJ etr Al, 2003). It has been suggested that knowledge about STI transmission might influence sexual behavior (Lahai Monsoh JC and Ross MW 2002). STIs are amongst the most common reason for seeking medical care in many parts of Africa. Despite their widespread economic and social impact, there is death of information on STIs in this part of the country.

According to (Perry Halkitis et al 2015) in a study entitled ‘Awareness and Knowledge Of Sexually Transmitted Infections among secondary school Adolescence in Edo Ekiti Southern Nigeria, findings suggested that secondary school adolescents in Ado Ekiti are mostly aware of  sexually transmitted  infections but lack in-depth knowledge about these diseases, their symptoms and modes of transmission. Comprehensive health education amongst other sexually transmitted infections (apart from HIV/AIDS) should be introduced into secondary school curriculum. Media enlightenment campaigns about these diseases should be emphasized. This study therefore sought to determine the level of knowledge on STIs with the aim addressing the gaps in knowledge.

1.2 Problem Statement

Sexually transmitted infections are a major health problem affecting mostly young people not only in developing countries, but also in developed countries. It has been documented that adolescents’ risk for STIs is higher than any age groups. It was estimated that the number of STIs is increasing by about 100 million in a year in developed countries and double that number in developing countries (Rowley J, 2016). Moreover, STIs have a profound impact on sexual and reproductive health. These infections include Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Chlamydia and Hepatitis B amongst others. Lack of adequate knowledge on STIs in general may account for the high prevalence of STIs in adolescents. This study therefore sought to assess adolescents’ knowledge on STIs in an attempt to address the gaps and create awareness on  STIs to this age group.

1.3 Rationale of the Study

The rationale of this study was to determine the level of knowledge of sexually transmitted infections amongst Adolescents in the Buea town community so as to address the gaps in knowledge and create awareness.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What knowledge do adolescents have on sexually transmitted infections?
2. What are the factors influencing the spread of sexually transmitted infections?
3. What knowledge do adolescents have on the complications of sexually transmitted infections?

1.5 Research Objectives

1.5.1 General objective

To assess adolescents’ knowledge on sexually transmitted infections.

1.5.2 Specific objectives

1. To find out what adolescents’ know about sexually transmitted infections?
2. To investigate adolescents’ knowledge on the factors influencing the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

3.To find out the knowledge of adolescents’ on the complications of sexually transmitted infections.