To Determine the Sex Ratio of Students With STDs Attended to at the University and to Examine the Age Distribution of Students With STDs Attended to at the University Health Centre
CHAPTER ONE
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The purpose of the study was to find out the commonly reported cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among students, to ascertain the differences in the distribution of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among male and female students, to determine the sex ratio of students with STDs attended to at the University and to examine the age distribution of students with STDs attended to at the University Health Centre.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
INTRODUCTION
Our focus in this chapter is to critically examine relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and furthermore recognize the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps.
Precisely, the chapter will be considered in three sub-headings:
- Conceptual Framework
- Theoretical Framework
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are an important public health issue. In many cases, they can occur asymptomatically. Early detection and treatment of STIs are important in preventing complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility. From 1995 to 2012, there was an increasing trend in STI notifications in Ireland although, in 2012, there was a non-significant reduction in numbers [Dell,2000]. It has been suggested that the observed increases may be due to, for example, improvements in testing methods, improved access to testing and screening, more comprehensive surveillance, as well as on-going unsafe sexual behaviours [Dell,2000]. Young people, particularly those in the 20–29 years age group, are mostly affected by STIs. In 2012, over 70 % of all STIs notified were in those aged \30 years: 59 % in the 20–29 years age group, and 11.3 % in those aged 19 and under [Dell,2000], Consequently, there is interest in understanding the level of awareness and knowledge of STIs, methods of protection, and sexual practices within this demographic. In attempting to elucidate these, some studies have accessed third level students as representative of young people experiencing, and exhibiting, formative sexual behaviours. Literature related to secondary level/adolescent students demonstrates that young people do not always have the information needed for them to take responsibility for their sexual health [Mbago,2003 ] and that curriculum-based sexual education reduced (a) risky sexual behaviour at time of first intercourse and (b) incidence of STIs compared with learning from peers [Mbago,2003]. Young people utilize a diverse variety of resources to acquire sexual health information, including Internet, television, family doctor, books, magazines, friends and family. Researchers attempting to design effective sexual education interventions have asked young people what they want from sexual health websites [Lazarus,2010], thereby determining preferences for clear and understandable information regarding sexual pleasure, STIs and pregnancy, and associated emotions. However, despite the prevalence of new digital media (e.g. internet, SMS messaging and social media sites), interventions utilizing these to improve sexual health of young people and risk reduction are relatively unproven as yet. A systematic review by Guse et al. [Lazarus,2010] of such interventions demonstrated some success, albeit over a short period (\12 months), in improvement of condom use, abstinence or delayed initiation of sex, and knowledge related to STIs and pregnancy. Third level students represent a unique population that is of interest to college/university administrators, public health researchers and policy makers seeking to promote sexual health and well-being in young people. Recently published university-based sexual health-associated studies include reports from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the USA focused on topics ranging from knowledge, attitudes and sexual practices to STI awareness, non-use of condoms and other risky behaviours [Lazarus,2010 ]. It is notable that much of the USA and European university-based sexual health research highlights sexual satisfaction, body satisfaction, and desire [Clark,2002 ] rather than safety, although there are reports related to sexual preference and risk behaviour [Clark,2002 ], general student attitude towards condom use [Clark,2002], gender preferences associated with condom use, and the near-term positive and negative consequences of sex. Some of the focus on student sexual health awareness derives from recognition by higher education institutions that they have a responsibility to provide sexual health services to their students, something that is often an expectation of their students [Awang,2013]. The objectives of this study were to complement previous Irish studies of sexual health and relationships in the general population by presenting the first investigation of awareness and knowledge of STIs amongst university students specifically and, in doing so, determining the level of risky sexual behaviour engaged in as a surrogate indicator of sexual activity in that age group in Ireland.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitute of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried out on to determine the sex ratio of students with stds attended to at the university and to examine the age distribution of students with stds attended to at the university health centre, using Obafemi Awolowo University Ile- Ife , Osun State as a case study. Staff of Obafemi Awolowo health care center form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of thirty-six (36) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only thirty (30) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 30 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
SUMMARY
In this study, our focus was on to determine the sex ratio of students with stds attended to at the university and to examine the age distribution of students with stds attended to at the university health centre using Obafemi Awolowo University as a case study. The study specifically was aimed at highlighting the commonly reported cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among students. The study also ascertain the differences in the distribution of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among male and female students. The study further determine the sex ratio of students with STDs attended to at the University . lastly, the study examine the age distribution of students with STDs attended to at the University Health Centre . A total of 30 responses were validated from the enrolled participants where all respondent are drawn from staff of Obafemi Awolowo University health care center.
CONCLUSION
Based on the finding of this study, the following conclusions were made:
- There are commonly reported cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among students in Obafemi Awolowo University
- There is a differences in the distribution of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among male and female students in Obafemi Awolowo University.
- The level of sex ratio of students with STDs attended to at the Obafemi Awolowo University is high.
- There is a age distribution of students with STDs attended to at the University Health Centre in Obafemi Awolowo University.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the responses obtained, the researcher proffers the following recommendations:
That the need for school-based sex education in tertiary institution. These programmes need to be improved to cover comprehensive topics including both knowledge and skills. At school, lessons on sexual and reproductive health, including STDs, may be provided for students through in-class and out-of-class activities. Basic information for both sexes can be taught through in-class lessons to enhance knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding STD prevention among school pupils. However, sex-specific programmes implemented in out-of-class activities would be useful in compensating for sex differences in knowledge.
REFERENCES
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- Adolescent Health and Development Programme. The second decade: improving adolescent health and development. Geneva: WHO, 1998.
- Adolescent Health Programme. Counselling skills training in adolescent sexuality and
- Ainbinder SW, Ramin SM, DeCherney AH. Sexually transmitted diseases & pelvic infections. In: DeCherney AH, Nathan L, Goodwin TM, Laufer N, editors. Current diagnosis & treatment Obstetrics & Gynecology. 10th edition. USA: The McGaw-Hill Companies, Inc., 2007.
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