Prevalence And Associated Factors Of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Students Of Wolaita Sodo University, Southern Ethiopia

摘要

Abstract:- Background: sexually transmitted Infections represent a large burden of disease worldwide with an annual incidence of about 333 million cases. In Ethiopia, studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among youth are very few; therefore, conducting research on STIs in general and among youth in particular is an important input to design policy and strategy aimed at preventing and controlling the infections. Objectives: The objectives of the study were determining self reported prevalence of sexually transmitted Infections, and identifying factors associated with STIs among students of Wolaita Sodo University. Methodology: A cross sectional study design was employed among a total sample size of 447 students of Wolaita Sodo University from June to September 2011. Study subjects were selected using Stratified cluster sampling method. Data were collected using semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire. Self-reported Syndromic approach was used to measure sexually transmitted Infections status. Logistic regression was used to model Odds Ratio, OR (95%CI). Result: This study was conducted among 309 (69.1%) male and 138 (30.9%) female students with response rate of more than 100%. Most of the students, 294 (65.8%), were first year, 178 (39.8%) were orthodox Christian, 241 (53.9%) were from rural place of previous residence and 421 (95.7%) were currently accommodated in the university. Self reported STIs prevalence in the past 12 months prior to the survey was 19.5% among students. Out of the 158(35.3%) students who were sexually active: 46.0% used condom infrequently, 24.8% had sex with causal sexual partners and 13.9% had sexual intercourse with commercial sex workers. Among 103 who reported the most recent STI syndrome, 43 (41.7%) study subjects had not got treatments for the syndrome they had. Students who had sexual contact with commercial sex workers in the last 12 months were at increased odds of developing sexually transmitted infections (Adjusted OR=4.7,95%CI: 1.2, 8.6). Conclusion: High prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) was obtained among university students who had risky sexual behaviors. Students had unreasonably poor treatment seeking behavior. The following specific recommendations are forwarded: Launching of recreational facilities and sexual and reproductive health service, abstinence and condom promotion interventions. The university should design retention facilities for students to limit them from sexual contact with commercial sex workers. Moreover, further studies to explore the predictor variables are highly recommended.