Transmission and spread of STIs and RTIs among Youths’ in Higher Learning Institutions and Neighbors Villages in Mbeya City, Tanzania.
- February 2, 2022
- Posted by: rsispostadmin
- Categories: IJRISS, Social Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue I, January 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186
Dr Kibani L. H; Mr Matem A., & Dr Mwangosi F
Mbeya University of Science and Technology, Department of Technical Education
P.O BOX 131 MBEYA CITY, TANZANIA
Abstract
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are diseases often spread from person to person through sexual contact. The infections cause sexually transmitted diseases and Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs). It has been well established that risk sexual behaviors among youths significantly influences their reproductive and general health. This study therefore investigated on the spread and transmission of sexual transmitted and reproductive tract infections to three Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) and Neighbor Village Youths (NVYs) in Mbeya district Tanzania. The study aimed at identifying the social interaction, sexual behaviors, knowledge on impact of sexual transmitted infections, influence of physical environment and future plan of HLIs and NVYs. The study was guided by two theories, social learning theory in particular ‘Social Psychology Theory’ and the ‘Theory of Possible Selves’. The study included 210 HLIs and 100 NVYs all aged between 18-30 years. Youths were randomly sampled from their areas. Data collection methods included survey questionnaires, focus group discussion and documentary review. The study employed a random sampling procedure. A cross-sectional research design was adopted. Thematic and descriptive statistical analysis were employed. The results were as follows: Social interaction among youths of both sides, higher learning institutions and neighbor villages has negative impact since it creates vulnerability to STIs/RTIs/HIV infections. Youths were found engaging much in risk social behaviors which in turn lead them to reproductive complications such as abortions, PID, unplanned pregnancies, single parent childcare, academic dropout, poor academic achievement and the whole issue of personal and public underdevelopment socially, healthily and mentally. Results shows that youths lack clear knowledge about STIs and RTIs but were familiar with HIV/AIDS however, they were fearing of getting pregnancies rather than infections. Village youths’ future plans were about getting money and become rich person while higher learning institutions youths planned to get employment after graduating, to get nice houses and becoming somebody. In general risky sexual behaviors such as love affairs, unprotected sexes, multiple partners, luxurious lives, lack of knowledge, poverty, homeless, poor socio-economic status, low income, inherited western cultures and poor use of mobile networking among youths found as key contributors of spread and transmission of STIs/RTIs and HIV/AIDS in Mbeya district. The study recommend for collaborative effort between varied stakeholders in educating and giving supportive services to youths to improve their health and wellbeing.
Key words: Sexual Transmitted Infections, Reproductive Tract Infections, Youths, HIV/AIDS
Introduction
Sexual transmitted infections are not only HIV/AIDS but some of the more other common sexual resulted infections include Gonorrhea, hepatitis, chancroid, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), genital helpers, Human papilloma virus (HPV or genital warts, syphilis and Trichomoniasis (Kristin; Rena; Claire; Brindis, & Philip, 2011). According to these authors, STIs are caused by germs that live on the skin or in the body fluids like semen, vaginal fluid or blood. Recent studies have shown that STIs results to RTIs and currently there is more spread and transmission of the mentioned infectious diseases especially to young people of age between 15-25 years than to adults (Kristin et al. 2011; World Health Organization (WHO) 2016 & Chalamilla; Mbwana; Mhalu; Mmari; Majigo; Swai; Urassa, and Sandstrom, 2016; Abdul et al. 2018).
In this study youths are regarded as young people aged from 18 to 30 years. At this particular age group youths are said to be sexually active and health-damaging sexual behaviours start during that period (Wekesh; Nyakangi; Njagi & Bangha, 2019). Youths through sexual experimentation and seeking of marriage opportunities in most cases lead them into risky health and sexual behaviours. Sexual behaviours among youths has been a focus of health programs worldwide since the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in 1994 (WHO, 2016). According the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (2018) in Tanzania sexually transmitted infections especially Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Hepers and HIV/AIDS are highly found to male and female aged below 24 years. There are more than 30 types of bacteria, viruses, or parasites that cause STIs (WHO/UNAIDS, 2021)
Yet sexual transmitted infections such as STIs, RTIs and HIV/AIDS were reported to be vulnerable to youths of mentioned ages. Reproductive complications, unplanned pregnancies and single parent children have been associated outcomes of youths sexually behaviours which endanger their lives. Youths living in higher learning institutions and neighbor villages are at higher risk of engaging in sexual transmitted infections because of unsafe interactions, love affairs and indiscipline sexual behaviours. Accordingly, this study explored on the transmission and spread of sexual transmitted infections in particular STIs, RTIs and HIV/AIDS in higher learning institutions and neighbor villages in Mbeya district Tanzania.
