Awareness of the Forms, Symptoms, Mode of Transmission and Control of Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Adolescents in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study employed survey design in investigating the awareness of the
forms, symptoms, modes of transmission, and control of sexually
transmitted disease s(STDs) in Kaduna State, Nigeria. A Sample of 500
SS II students comprising 250 girls and 250 boys was drawn from the
population using simple random sampling technique. Data were coolected
through the use of structured questionnaire. Statistical mean was used
to analyse the data and t-test was used in testing the hypotheses. Major
findings show that students know very little about the forms of STDs, the
students have moderate knowledge of the signs and symptom of various
STDs, their of mode of transmission, and they have poor awareness of the
control measures toward STDs, there is however, significant differences
exist between the boys and girls awareness of the forms and symptoms of
STDs. Hence, School Psychologists and counselors should continuously
sensitize the students and organize group guidance programme in the
secondary schools on personal health and risky behaviours, and there
should be a synergy between public health workers, school administrators
and parents in creating awareness among students on the risk factors,
symptoms and control of STDs, and voluntary HIV test before marriage.