Knowledge, sexual behaviours and risk perception of sexually transmitted infections among students of the polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo state

BACKGROUND: Current evidence shows that the surge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is of public health importance. In Nigeria, about 3 million cases of STIs are reported annually with the highest rates observed among young people. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the knowledge, sexual behaviours and risk perception of STIs among students of the polytechnic, Ibadan. METHOD: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey which involved the use of a four-stage sampling technique to select 401 students across the five faculties of the institution. RESULTS: Among the students interviewed, few (18.7%) had good knowledge of STIs with overall mean knowledge score of 5.9±3.6. Majority (65.3%) were sexually active in the last 12 months; while 26.7% had multiple sex partners in the last six months. Only 23.1% of single sexually active students used condom regularly. Few (14.2%) of the students considered themselves to be at risk of contracting STIs. However, there were significant associations between knowledge and risk perception of contracting STIs; and between having multiple sex partners and the risk perception of contracting STIs. CONCLUSION: These results emphasise the need to provide students with more information about STIs with the aim of positively influencing their self-perceived risk and sexual behaviour.