Knowledge of sexually transmitted Infections among patients attending outpatient clinics at University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was designed to assess the level of knowledge of sexually transmitted infections and 
possible factors associated with knowledge of patients attending outpatient clinic in University 
Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. This is to enable appropriate advocacy targeted on at risk 
population so as to control sexually transmitted infections and prevent its complications in this 
environment. A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out on patients attending outpatient 
clinics of the hospital from February to July, 2010. All volunteered participants were given a self
administered structured questionnaire. Out of the 592 interviewed, 242 (40.9%) were males and 350 
(59.1%) were females. Although, knowledge of sexually transmitted infections was high in the general 
population, especially among those with postsecondary school education (85.4%) and the drivers 
(90.9%), it was relatively low among the adolescents and the youths who are the most vulnerable in this 
environment (χ2 = 14.343; p < 0.05). News media was the highest source of information about Sexually 
Transmitted Infections. Age, educational level and the type of occupation appear to be important 
factors affecting knowledge. Therefore, health education about Sexually transmitted infections targeted 
at this risk group may yield positive result.