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ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI | Volume XII Issue XV October 2025 | Special Issue on Public Health
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Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Sexually
Transimitted Infection Prevention among Undergraduate Students in
Benin City, Nigeria
Clinton Oghosasere Egharevba, Ngozi Rosemary Osunde, Vivian Ofure Omoareghan, Abieyuwa Emesihil
Faculty of nursing, College of Health Sciences, Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo, Nigeria
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.1215PH000174
Received: 04 October 2025; Accepted: 10 October 2025; Published: 08 November 2025
ABSTRACT
Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major global health challenge, particularly among
young adults and university students who engage in high-risk sexual activities. This study assessed the
knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to STI prevention among undergraduate students at the
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Benin Study Centre, using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a
conceptual framework.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed with 384 respondents selected
through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering knowledge,
attitudes and practices regarding STIs. Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Coefficient indicated a reliability
coefficient of 0.73. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and Pearson’s correlation
to examine associations among the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) domains.
Results: The data revealed the respondents’ mean age as ≈ 23 while the standard deviation was = 5.76. 66% of
the respondents demonstrated a good level of knowledge about STIs, indicating moderate awareness of
causes, symptoms, transmission modes and consequences of infections. However, this level of awareness did
not translate into positive behavioural outcomes as over half (55.6%) of the students exhibited negative
attitudes toward STI prevention and care, reflecting persistent stigma, denial or misinformation. Furthermore,
57% of respondents reported only moderate or neutral preventive practices such as, irregular use of
condoms, limited communication with sexual partners and avoidance of regular STI screening. These findings
suggest a critical gap between knowledge and actual behavioural practices. Pearson’s correlation revealed a
moderate negative association between knowledge and attitude (r = -0.63), moderate negative association
between knowledge and practices (r = -0.91) and weak positive association between attitude and practices (r =
0.28).
Conclusion: Despite adequate knowledge, negative attitudes and inconsistent preventive practices persist.
Interventions should focus on addressing stigma, risk perception and cultural barriers that hinder preventive
behaviour.
Keywords: Attitude, Practice, Prevention, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs),University Students
INTRODUCTION
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are communicable diseases primarily transmitted through sexual contact,
posing a persistent public health concern worldwide (WHO, 2022). The World Health Organization (2024)
estimates that over one million curable STIs are acquired daily among individuals aged 15 – 49 years. In Nigeria,
STIs remain one of the leading causes of morbidity among young adults, particularly university students
(National Agency for the Control of AIDS [NACA], 2022). Also, the Nigeria National HIV/AIDS Indicator and
Impact Survey reported that 2.6% of adults aged 15-49 are living with HIV (Jibirilla, 2024). The effects of
sexually transmitted infections are not only felt by the infected individual as it also negatively affects the
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community well-being and economic productivity because infected individuals may not be able to function
adequately during the infection period (Schnitzler, 2021). Also, research indicates that universities in Nigeria
are fertile grounds for risky sexual behaviours due to the relatively high levels of sexual activity among students
and inadequate awareness programs on sexual health, and despite the availability of preventive measures such
as condoms as well as government and NGO-led awareness campaigns, these efforts have not significantly
curbed the high rates of STIs among Nigerian youth (Omisore, 2022).
This study is guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), which posits that health related actions depend on
individuals’ perceptions of susceptibility, severity, benefits and barriers, along with cues to action and self-
efficacy (Rosenstock, 1974). Applying this framework helps explain how students’ beliefs influence their sexual
health behaviours and decisions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices
regarding STI prevention among undergraduates at NOUN Benin Centre and to examine the associations among
these variables.
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
This study adopted descriptive survey research design.
Study Setting
This research work was carried out in National Open University of Nigeria, Benin Study Centre in Egor Local
Government area of Edo State, Nigeria.
Duration : The period of study lasted from May 2025 to July 2025.
Study Population
Record from the centre director indicated that as at November 2024, the centre currently have 2,500 active
undergraduate students.
Inclusion Criteria
The study included undergraduates in the selected faculties who were willing to participate and was present
during the period of data collection.
Sample Size
384 undergraduates
Sample Size Calculation
Taro Yamane’s formula for samples size determination is as follows:
𝒏 =
𝑵
𝟏 + 𝑵 (𝒆)
𝟐
n = the sample size
N = population Size = 2,500
e = Coefficient of confidence or error terms = (0.05)
1 = constant
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𝐧 =
𝟐, 𝟓𝟎𝟎
𝟏 + 𝟐, 𝟓𝟎𝟎 (𝟎. 𝟎𝟓)
𝟐
𝐧 =
𝟐, 𝟓𝟎𝟎
𝟏𝟓𝟏
= 𝟑𝟒𝟓
Non-response (10%) =
𝟑𝟒𝟓
𝟎.𝟗
= 𝟑𝟖𝟑. 𝟑𝟑
n ≈ 384
Therefore the sample size for the study was approximately 𝟑𝟖𝟒 members of the university.
Instrument for Data Collection
The instrument employed for this research work was a researcher designed questionnaire. The instrument was
divided into five sections – A, B, C, D and E. Section A contains demographic Information of the respondents
such as Age, Sex, Academic Discipline, etc; Section B contains 8 items which aim to determine the level of
knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs); Section C contains 3 items which aim to assess the attitude
towards sexually transmitted infections (STIs); Section D contains 2 items which aims to examined the practices
for prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs); and Section E contains 2 items which aims to examined
the preventive measures employed against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The sections of the
questionnaire comprises of Yes and No, and open-ended questions. The respondents were required to check and
tick ( ) according to their personal opinions. Responses were scored as, 3 = positive, 2 = neutral, 1 = negative.
Composite scores were categorized as high (≥50%), moderate (30–49.9%) or low (<30%).
The instrument used for this study was painstakingly designed by the researcher and validated by the project
supervisor and tested for reliability. The test-retest reliability was used to obtain the reliability of the instrument
and Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient indicated a reliability coefficient of 0.73.
Pilot Study: A pilot study was conducted on 39 (10% of the sample size) undergraduates of another university
with similar characteristics.
Method of Data Collection
Copies of the questionnaire were administered on face-to-face basis to the sampled 384 respondents and all
questionnaire 384 (three hundred and eighty four) copies were retrieved. Therefore, 100% retrieval rate was
accomplished.
Method of Data Analysis
Descriptive statistics such as frequency tables and percentages, were used to analyse and present the data while
inferential tests: the Chi-square test was applied at a 0.05 significance level to test the study's hypothesis,
Pearson’s correlation to test associations between knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) variables.
Ethical Declaration
The health research ethics committee in Edo state Ministry of Health provided an ethical clearance with the
approval protocol number HA/737/25/D/05120721. Individuals were given reasons for participating before
enrolling in the study, and verbal and written consent were obtained.
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RESULT (DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION)
SECTION A: Socio-demographic information
Table 1: Socio-demographic information of Respondents
ITEMS
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Sex *
Male
123
32.0
Female
261
68.0
Age Group*
15 – 19 years
120
31.0
20 – 24 years
150
39.0
25 – 29 years
64
17.0
30 years and above
50
13.0
xˉ=22.97 Therefore, the mean age is ≈ 23; S.D = 5.76
Marital Status*
Single
120
31.0
Dating
148
39.0
Married
80
21.0
Co-habiting
16
4.0
Divorced/Separated
20
5.0
If dating, how many partners do you have?*
1
120
70.0
2
37
25.0
3 and above
7
5.0
Highest previous educational qualification *
SSCE
105
27.0
ND
95
25.0
HND
80
21.0
NCE
50
13.0
PGD
18
5.0
Bachelor degree
36
9.0
Level/ Year of study of respondents *
First year
75
19.0
Second year
156
41.0
Third year
77
20.0
Fourth year
56
15.0
Fifth year
20
5.0
Departments of Respondents *
Faculty of Agriculture Science
67
17
Faculty of Computing
102
27
Faculty of Health
125
33
Faculty of Science
90
23
What type of accommodation do you live in? *
Student hostel (off campus)
172
45.0
Rented apartment
61
16.0
Family home
151
39.0
Number of occupants *
1
105
27.0
2
198
52.0
3 and above
81
21.0
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What is your estimated monthly family income? *
Low income (below ₦50,000)
182
47.0
Middle income (₦50,000 – ₦100,000)
156
41.0
High income ( above ₦100,000)
46
12.0
Source: Field Survey, 2025
Expected Response
Table 1 presents the socio-demographic data of respondents. The study's participants were predominantly female
students (68%) with a mean age of approximately 23 years. The largest respondents were aged 20 – 24 (39%)
and most were in their second year of study (41%). A significant portion of respondents were dating (39%). The
participants came from various faculties, with the Faculty of Health being the most represented (33%). Most
students lived in off-campus hostels (45%) or with family (39%) and over half shared their room with at least
one other person (52%). The majority of respondents came from low-income (47%) or middle-income (41%)
household
SECTION B: Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Table 2: Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) of Respondents
ITEMS
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Have you heard of STIs? *
Yes
346
90.0
No
38
10.0
where do you get most of your information about STIs? **
Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses)
165
43.0
Internet (websites, social media)
361
94.0
Educational campaigns or seminars
289
75.0
Family members
135
35.0
Friends/peers
175
45.0
University courses or materials
253
66.0
What are the causes of STIs? **
Bacteria infections
362
94.0
Viral infections
353
92.0
Parasitic infections
219
57.0
Fungi infections
117
31.0
Does STIs affect both sexes? *
Yes
157
41.0
No
227
59.0
Which sex does STIs mostly affect? *
Male
74
47.0
Female
83
53.0
Which of the following are the complications of STIs? **
Infertility
319
83.0
Chronic pelvic pain
309
81.0
Cancer
27
7.0
Increased HIV risk
237
62.0
Pregnancy complications
129
34.0
Organ damage
211
55.0
Numerological complications
15
4.0
Psychosocial and emotional consequences
281
73.0
Transmission to others
255
66.0
Eye and skin issues
8
2.0
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What are the symptoms of STIs? **
Unusual discharge (from the penis or vagina)
371
97.0
Painful urination
351
92.0
Pain during sex
287
75.0
Itching or irritation in the genital area
348
91.0
Sores, warts or blisters
334
87.0
Abnormal or pelvic pain
365
95.0
Pain or swelling in the testicles
337
88.0
Abnormal genital bleeding
215
56.0
Can STIs be prevented? *
Yes
161
42.0
No
223
58.0
Source: Field Survey, 2025
** Multiple Responses; * Expected Response
Table 2 highlights respondents’ knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A vast majority of students
(90%) had heard of STIs, their primary source of information was the internet (94%), surpassing educational
campaigns (75%) and healthcare professionals (43%). This reliance on informal sources may contribute to
significant knowledge gaps. For instance, despite high awareness of bacterial (94%) and viral (92%) causes,
there was a concerning misconception that STIs cannot be prevented, a belief held by 58% of respondents.
Furthermore, 59% incorrectly believed that STIs do not affect both sexes equally.
SECTION C: Attitude towards Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Table 3: Attitude towards Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) of Respondents
ITEMS
Frequency
Percentage (%)
How concerned are you about contacting STIs? *
Very concerned
73
19.0
Somewhat concerned
158
41.0
Not concerned
41
11.0
Not concerned at all
112
29.0
How often do you get tested for STIs *
Regularly ( at least once every 6 months)
20
5.0
Occasionally ( only when I feel at risk or have symptoms)
210
55.0
Never ( i have never been tested for STIs
154
40.0
If your partner has STIs, will you be concerned? *
Yes
300
78.0
No
84
22.0
Source: Field Survey, 2025
Expected Response
Table 3 revealed Attitude towards STIs. Respondents displayed a conflicting attitude towards STIs. While most
expressed some level of concern about contracting an infection (41%) and would be concerned if a partner had
an STI (78%), this did not translate into proactive behaviour. A large portion of students had never been tested
(40%), and only 5% undergo regular testing. This indicates that, there is a disconnection between perceived risk
and personal health actions.
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SECTION D: Practices for Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Table 4: Level of Practices for Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) of Respondents
ITEM
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Would you be willing to seek medical advice or treatment if you suspect
you have STIs? *
Yes, immediately
135
35.0
Yes, but I would hesitate
74
19.0
No, I would avoid it
18
5.0
I would seek advice from a friend or family member instead
157
41.0
Do you discuss sexual health and STI prevention with your sexual
partner(s)? *
Yes, always
49
13.0
Yes, sometimes
177
46.0
No, I have never have a conversation about it
158
41.0
Source: Field Survey, 2025
Expected Response
Table 4 revealed that the preventive practices among students were generally poor. There was a notable tendency
to seek advice from friends or family (41%) rather than immediately consulting a healthcare professional (35%)
when an STI is suspected. Communication with sexual partners about STIs was infrequent, with 41% never
having had such a conversation and only 13% always discussing it.
Section E: Preventive Measures Employed against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Table 5: Type of Preventive Measures Employed against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) of Respondents
ITEMS
Frequency
Percentage (%)
What practice do you employ in preventing STIs *
Consistent and correct use of condoms
120
31.0
Having one sexual partner
35
9.0
Regular screening and testing for STIs
115
30.0
Abstinence from sexual activity
104
27.0
Use of dental dams
10
3.0
Source: Field Survey, 2025
Expected Response
Table 5 revealed the preventive measures employed by respondents, the most common preventive methods
employed were the use of condoms (31%) and regular screening (30%). Abstinence was also a significant
strategy for 27% of respondents. However, the use of other measures like having only one sexual partner (9%)
was less common.
Table 6: Summary of Composite Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and Prevention Measures Employed against
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Level
Knowledge (%)
Attitude (%)
Practices (%)
Preventive (%)
High (Positive) =3
66.7
22.2
0
0
Moderate (Neutral) =2
22.2
22.2
57.1
40
Low (Negative) =1
11.1
55.6
42.9
60
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Table 6 revealed that the data has a critical gap between knowledge and attitude. While two-thirds of respondents
(66.7%) demonstrated high knowledge of STIs, while their attitudes and practices were predominantly negative.
Over half showed a negative attitude (55.6%), and a staggering 60% had a low level of preventive measures.
Most critically, no respondents demonstrated a high level of positive prevention practices or measures.
Table 7: Pearson’s Correlation Results on Associations between Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (n=3)
Association
Pearson's (r)
Strength and Direction
Interpretation
Knowledge and Attitude
-0.65
Strong Negative
Reflects the "critical gap between
knowledge and attitude" by showing that
the distribution of high knowledge is
strongly associated with the distribution
of low/negative attitudes.
Knowledge and Practices
-0.91
Very Strong Negative
The distribution of high knowledge is
very strongly inversely associated with
the distribution of practices.
Attitude and Practices
0.28
Weak Positive
A weak positive association suggests a
slight tendency for the distributions of
attitude and practices to align.
Key: ±0.80 to ±1.00 = very strong; ±0.60 to ±0.79 = strong; ±0.40 to ±0.59 = moderate; ±0.20 to ±0.39 = weak;
±0.00 to ±0.19 = very weak.
Hypothesis 1
Table 7: Socioeconomic status and its influence on the relationship between attitude and the prevention of STIs
among undergraduate students at the National Open University of Nigeria, Benin Study Centre using chi-square
test at a 0.05 level of significance
Socioeconomic
status
N
DF
LS
Calculated X
2
value
Contingency coefficient (cc)
Table X
2
value
Remark
Low
182
8
0.05
25.63
0.25
15.51
H
O
rejected
Medium
156
High
46
TOTAL
384
The chi-square test revealed a statistically significant relationship between socioeconomic status and the
combined influence of attitude and prevention of STIs (X2=25.63,p<0.05). Since the calculated chi-square value
of 25.63 exceeds the critical table value of 15.51, the null hypothesis was rejected. This suggests that a student's
economic background influences their attitudes and preventive actions regarding STIs. However, the
contingency coefficient is weak at 0.25 though positive.
DISCUSSION
Sociodemographic Variables
The demographic data indicates that the majority of respondents are female (68%) with males comprising 32%
of the sample. This is closely related with the study of Adeniyi, (2019) where the gender distribution which was
60% female and 40% male and the study was on the “awareness and preventive measures of STIs among
undergraduates in Southwest Nigeria”. Also, the study of Omeneki, (2023) had 66% female and 34% male and
the study was on “STI knowledge among students of the University of Ibadan”. The mean age is approximately
23 years, and this is closely related with the study of Mutaru, (2021) that had a mean age of a mean age of 23.5
years among nursing trainees in Ghana. Regarding marital status, 39% of respondents are dating, 31% are single
and 21% are married. This is closely the study of Fox, (2021) whose respondents comprised of 9.1% (1,912)
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married, 86.6% (18,149) single, 4.0% (837) were neither married nor single, and 0.3% (67) had an unknown
marital status and the study was on STI patients in U.S. emergency departments.
Level of knowledge of sexually transmitted infections
Generally, there is a good level of knowledge of sexually transmitted infections as 66.7% (majority) of the
respondents demonstrated high knowledge of STIs. This finding supports the work of Omeneki, (2023) who
found 65% of students in a Nigerian university had adequate knowledge especially among those in health-related
fields. Similarly, a study by Adeniyi, (2019) reported that about 70% of students at south-west Nigeria
universities were knowledgeable about common STIs. Also, the work of Uhuo, (2023) revealed that 60% of
secondary-school adolescents had good STI knowledge in Enugu State in Nigeria. Additionally, a research by
Obohwemu (2018), on knowledge, attitude and practices of sexually transmitted infections: Perceptions of
sexual behaviour among undergraduate students in Lokoja, Nigeria revealed that 66.2% had good knowledge
about common STIs such as HIV. Lastly, Makobe, (2024) study, which focused on sexually transmitted
infections and HIV knowledge, attitudes, and practices amongst first-year students at a university in Gauteng
Province, South Africa, found out that 92% displayed sound knowledge of STIs and knowledge about HIV and
its prevention.
To ascertain the attitude of undergraduates towards sexually transmitted infections.
The attitude of respondents towards sexually transmitted infections is an indifferent attitude as data obtained
from this study revealed that, 55.6% of the respondents demonstrated low (negative) attitude towards sexually
transmitted infections. This outcome is consistent with the study by Omeneki, (2023) who found that about 39%
of students in a Nigerian university exhibited negative attitudes which is largely due to misconceptions and low
perceived risk of STIs. Similarly, Adeniyi, (2019) investigated the attitudes of undergraduates towards STIs in
south-west Nigeria, Nigeria and found that 18% of the students showed negative attitudes towards practicing
preventive measures. Additionally, Ajayi, (2019) research revealed that 38.6% of students in two Nigerian
universities had a positive attitude towards STI prevention.
Practices of care and types of preventive towards sexually transmitted infections.
Data revealed that in the practice of care towards sexually transmitted disease, 42.9% of the respondents
demonstrated low (negative) practices for prevention of sexually transmitted infections
This outcome is consistent with the findings of Adeniyi, (2019) who investigated the preventive behaviours of a
Nigerian university students towards STIs and found that 65% of students does not practice safe sex despite
being aware of their effectiveness in preventing STIs. Similarly, Ajayi, (2019) found that only 41% of female
students at a Nigerian university practiced safe sex in other to avoid STIs. The study further revealed that 59%
of female students did not use practice consistent condom use despite being aware of condoms' effectiveness,
and the cited reasons for not using condoms are misconceptions, reduced pleasure, limited access, trust in
partners and cultural stigma. This reflects a negative trend in STI prevention which is in line with the findings
of this study.
Types of preventive measures against sexually transmitted infections
Data revealed that the preventive measures used by respondents are consistent and correct use of condoms 31%,
having one sexual partner 9%, regular screening and testing for STIs 30%, abstinence from sexual activity 27%,
and use of dental dams 10%. This is consistent with the meta-analysis in Ethiopia which reported that 54% of
adolescents practiced at least one form of STI prevention which include, consistent condom use at 38%, regular
STI testing at 23% and abstinence at 18% Rameto, (2023). Also, Nigerian youth studies reported correct condom
use at 47%, but monogamous sexual behavior was practiced by only 12% and regular testing rates remained
below 25% Ezenwa (2019). Additionally, a 2024 study of Nigerian clinicians revealed that only 10.4% advised
protective measures for oral sex, and among their clients, less than 6% used dental dams Owoaje (2024).
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Correlational Findings and Theoretical Interpretation
The correlation analysis revealed strong negative relationships between knowledge and attitude (r = –0.65) and
knowledge and practice (r = –0.91), alongside a weak positive relationship between attitude and practice (r =
0.28). These results indicate that although many undergraduates are knowledgeable about sexually transmitted
infections (STIs), but such awareness does not necessarily translate into positive behavioural outcomes. This
pattern highlights the role of psychosocial and structural barriers such as stigma, gender norms, and limited
youth-friendly services (Iwelunmor, 2022). According to the Health Belief Model (HBM), health behaviour
depends not only on knowledge but also on perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers.
This theoretical lens helps explain why preventive actions remain low even when knowledge levels are high. For
instance, Oluwole (2020) reported that while 72% of youths knew that condoms prevent STIs, only 46% used
them consistently, and just 18% adhered to routine STI screening. Similarly, within the 4 Youth by Youth project,
HIV self-testing uptake increased from 20% at 3 months to 90% at 6 months after youth-led, peer-supported
interventions were implemented (Iwelunmor, 2022). These improvements suggest that behavioural change
strengthens when the environment supports confidentiality, peer influence, and accessibility. This reinforces the
importance of addressing psychosocial and structural barriers to achieve sustainable STI prevention among
young people.
CONCLUSION
The study concludes that while students of NOUN, Benin Study Centre, possess a fair level of knowledge about
STIs, negative attitudes and poor preventive behaviors persist. Bridging the gap between knowledge and practice
requires holistic interventions by integrating stigma reduction, peer education and accessible testing services.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the study findings, a multifaceted approach is required to improve undergraduates’ STI knowledge,
attitudes and practices:
1. Regular educational programs on STIs should be conducted which covers transmission, symptoms,
prevention and health impacts.
2. University health centres should provide accessible STI counselling, testing, treatment and free or
subsidized condoms.
3. Routine STI screening should be promoted especially for sexually active students.
4. Peer education programs should be established: training students to educate and support their peers in a
non-judgmental environment.
5. Anti-stigma campaigns should promote empathy and encourage students to seek help without fear of
discrimination.
6. A digital platform such as mobile app or website should offer STI information, self-assessment tools and
access to healthcare support.
7. Parental and community involvement should be encouraged through awareness programs to create a
supportive environment for students.
Implementing these strategies can improve STI prevention and support a healthier, more informed student
population.
REFERENCES
1. Adeniyi, A A., Bello, FO., Adeyemo, OT., Bakare, A., Ayankunle, MO., & Agboola, SM. (2019).
Awareness and behaviours relating to prevention of STIs among students of higher institutions in South
West Nigeria. International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education & Behavioural Science, 5(2), 91–
96. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20190502.12
2. Ajayi, AI., Ismail, KO., & Akpan, W. (2019). Factors associated with consistent condom use: A cross-
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