Knowledge, prevalence, and risk factors for self-reported sexually transmitted diseases among University Students in Sierra Leone

Abstract

**Introduction:** Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a worldwide health concern. Students often engage in sexual acKvity while away at college, puVng themselves at risk for STDs, unintended pregnancies, and unsafe aborKons because of their lack of parental supervision. This research aimed to determine the prevalence of STDs and the variables that contribute to their spread among Sierra Leonean University students.

**Methods:** An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 340 Njala University students selected using the multistage sampling technique in August 2022. The data were collected using a structured, pre-tested self-administered quesKonnaire. Multinomial logistic regression analyses and Pearson chi-square were employed through SPSS version 26 to identify factors associated with sexually transmitted infections. The odds raKo with a 95% confidence interval was computed to determine the level of associaKon. In the regression analysis, variables with a p-value of less than 5% were considered statically significant associations between covariates and sexually transmitted infections.

**Result:** The prevalence of a posiKve test for STIs among the sexually acKve respondents was found to be (33.6%). The knowledge of STIs among the respondents was very high (90.6%). All respondents in the various age groups (16-20, 21-25, 26-30, 31-35, 36-40 and 41-450) were likelier to have good knowledge of STIs with OR >1 and p < 0.05.

**Conclusion:** Self-reported STI infection rates among Sierra Leonean University students were relatively high. Therefore, it is crucial to educate students about the dangers of sexual promiscuity and the need to continue using condoms.