CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

According to Kassie et al (2020), sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are the major universal health concerns. In a global report there was an annual estimate of 357-376 million curable new cases of STI’s that were diagnosed among adolescents and adults. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), also called Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are those diseases that are contracted mainly through sexual intercourse. They include curable ones like Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and Chlamydia infection as well as incurable but modifiable ones like HIV, Herpes simplex, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and sometimes Hepatitis B infections. Most people with STIs do not have any symptoms and are therefore often unaware of their ability to pass the infection on to their sexual partner(s). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 1 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired each day (WHO, 2017). Youths are considered to be at more risk for STIs compared to older adults. The WHO estimates 20% of persons living with HIV|AIDS are in their 20s. When these STIs aren’t treated adequately, they can lead to complications. In males, gonorrhea as well as chlamydia trachomatis infection causes epididymitis which can result in infertility in the future. In addition, inflammatory urethral stricture may arise from poorly treated gonococcal urethritis in the future. This may lead to urinary retention and possibly chronic renal failure if not properly managed. For the females, pelvic inflammatory disease, dyspareunia, infertility, chronic pelvic pain, increased risk of ectopic pregnancies, abortions, stillbirths, and perinatal and neonatal morbidities can occur, endangering their future reproductive competences (Adigun et al, 2013). According to Newman et al (2012), Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest STI burden in the world and most youths tend to have a low perception of risk because STIs are asymptomatic. Furthermore, studies from many developing countries have shown that a high population of young people are engaged in unprotected sex (Adigun, 1998). Several factors have been reported to discourage use of preventive measures against STIs amongst the youth population Issues like condoms reducing sexual pleasure, financial constraints, and social norms that support women’s subordination as well as traditional views of manhood account for the above scenario (Masana, 1999). Adolescents are disproportionately affected by STIs because of their engagement in unsafe sexual practices such as multiple sexual partners, and inconsistent condom use. A study carried out by Regi (2000), revealed that though there is an increased awareness of sexually transmitted infections among young people in Bamenda, Cameroon, greater knowledge about its transmission and prevention should be put in place to these persons. The study further revealed that the average age is from 18 to 25 years that are highly infected, with a gender distribution of 53% for males and 54% for females. There is not enough information on the awareness of STIs in Cameroon may be due to the lack of published data. knowledge on STIs in general is important for seeking treatment timely. This study therefore sought to assess the knowledge of youths in Bulu community on sexually transmitted infections in order to increase awareness of the disease.

1.2 Statement of the problem

 STIs have a profound impact on sexual and reproductive health worldwide. More than 1 million STIs were acquired every day in 2020, as WHO estimated 374 million new infections with 1 to 4 STIs. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health problem disproportionately affecting young people given that sexual activities and STI notification rates peak at 15–24 years of age implying that youths are more at risk for STIs than older adults. Youths are more likely to practice unprotected sex, have multiple sexual partners, and have transgenerational sex. In addition, the cervical lining in female adolescents and young women makes them more predisposed to STIs. Knowledge of STI and their complications is therefore important for adequate prevention and treatment. This study therefore sought to assess the knowledge of the Bulu youths on STIs.

1.3 Rational of study

 STI is known to be a public health concern world-wide and in Cameroon in particular, and as such more research that can create awareness that will intend reduce morbidity and mortality rate of the disease is necessary. It is in this sense that the researcher decided to carry out this study.

1.4 Research Questions

1) What knowledge do youths resident at the Bulu community have on the types of STIs?

2) What knowledge do youths resident at the Bulu community have on the complications of STIs?

3) What knowledge do youths resident at the Bulu community have on the prevention of STIs?

1.5 Research Objectives

1.5.1 Main Objective

The main objective of the study was to assess the knowledge of the youths’ resident at the Bulu community on STIs.

 1.5.2 Specific Objectives

They include;

1. To assess youth’s knowledge on the types of STIs.
2. To assess youth’s knowledge on the complications of STIs.
3. To assess youth’s knowledge on the prevention of STIs.