KNOWLEDGE AND PREVENTIVE PRACTICES AGAINST SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AMONG UNDERGRADUATES OF WELLSPRING UNIVERSITY, BENIN CITY

TOPIC: KNOWLEDGE AND PREVENTIVE PRACTICES AGAINST SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AMONG UNDERGRADUATES OF WELLSPRING UNIVERSITY, BENIN CITY

TOPIC IS SUITABLE FOR:
1-Department of Public Health
2-Department of Nursing Science
3-Department of Community Health
This research material contains:
1-Chapter One to Five
2-Recent References/Citations
3-Tables in Chapter Four
4-Accurate Data Analysis
5-Table of Contents
6-Questionnaire

ABSTRACT 
This study was carried out to examine the knowledge and preventive practices against sexually transmitted infections among undergraduates of Wellspring University, Benin City. The study was specifically carried out to assess the level of knowledge of sexually transmitted infections among undergraduates of Wellspring University, Benin City, identify the causes and modes of transmission of sexually transmitted infections known by undergraduates of Wellspring University, Benin City and assess the preventive practices adopted against sexually transmitted infections among undergraduates of Wellspring University, Benin City. The study employed the descriptive research design. Hence, the questionnaire was used for data collection, while the data collected were analyzed using frequency tables, percentages, and Chi-square statistical tool for hypothesis testing. The population of the study consists of 1,727 undergraduates of Wellspring University, Benin City, while a sample size of 325 was determined using Taro Yamane formula and a validated sample size of 310 was used for analysis through stratified and convenience sampling techniques. From the responses obtained and analyzed, the findings revealed that respondents demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge of sexually transmitted infections with variations across key items such as transmission awareness at 31.6% strongly agree and 36.1% agree, misconception items attracting higher disagreement levels above 33%. The study also showed that causes and modes of transmission were moderately understood with correct responses on unprotected sexual intercourse at 32.9% strongly agree and 35.2% agree, while misconceptions recorded higher disagreement values above 37%. Likewise, preventive practices indicated moderate adoption with abstinence and safe practices ranging between 27.1% and 34.5% agreement levels, while negative practice items recorded higher disagreement responses above 35%. The Chi-square test further revealed a significant relationship between knowledge and preventive practices with χ² = 52.84, df = 1, p = 0.000. The study therefore recommends that university management should intensify sexual health education, strengthen campus-based awareness programs, improve access to reproductive health services, and integrate STI prevention education into general student orientation programmes.
Keywords: Knowledge, Preventive Practices, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Undergraduates, Chi-square.

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION (Preview)
1.1 Background of the Study
Sexual and reproductive health is an important aspect of overall human health, particularly among young adults who are in a stage of physical, emotional, and social development. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal, oral, and anal intercourse. They are caused by more than 30 different pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Common STIs include syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023).
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 374 million new cases of curable STIs occur annually among individuals aged 15–49 years worldwide (WHO, 2023). In addition, over 490 million people are living with genital herpes, while persistent HPV infection is responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer globally. Sub-Saharan Africa bears a disproportionate burden of STIs and HIV, with Nigeria contributing significantly due to its large and youthful population (WHO, 2023).
In Nigeria, a significant proportion of STI cases occur among young people, particularly those aged 15–24 years. This age group is considered highly vulnerable due to early sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, inconsistent condom use, peer pressure, substance abuse, and inadequate sexual health education. Studies have shown that risky sexual behaviours are common among Nigerian youths, increasing their exposure to STIs and their associated complications (Oluwatosin et al., 2026).
Undergraduate students are particularly at risk because university life often comes with increased independence, reduced parental supervision, exposure to peer influence, and experimentation with sexual relationships. In private universities such as Wellspring University, Benin City, students may also be exposed to social and behavioural influences that increase their vulnerability to risky sexual practices. Although many students may have heard about STIs, there is often limited depth of knowledge regarding transmission, symptoms, prevention, and complications (Oluwatosin et al., 2026).
Furthermore, in many societies, discussions about sexual health remain culturally sensitive or taboo, leading to poor communication and misinformation. As a result, students may rely on peers, social media, or unverified sources for information. This often contributes to poor health-seeking behaviour, where infected individuals delay or avoid medical treatment due to stigma, fear, or lack of awareness. Some may resort to self-medication or traditional remedies, which may not effectively manage the infection (Oluwatosin et al., 2026).
The consequences of untreated STIs are severe and include infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, cervical cancer, increased risk of HIV infection, and long-term psychosocial distress. These complications highlight the importance of early prevention, accurate knowledge, and appropriate preventive practices among young people (WHO, 2023).
Although several studies have been conducted on sexually transmitted infections among secondary school students, reproductive-age women, and commercial sex workers, limited research has comprehensively focused on undergraduate students as a distinct population. Existing studies are often fragmented, focusing on specific infections or limited groups, rather than providing a broad understanding of STI knowledge and preventive practices among university students (Oluwatosin et al., 2026).
Importantly, there is often a gap between knowledge and practice, as awareness of STIs does not always translate into safe sexual behaviour. Many students who are aware of prevention methods such as condom use and abstinence still engage in risky sexual practices due to behavioural, social, and environmental influences (Oluwatosin et al., 2026).
Therefore, there is a need to assess the knowledge and preventive practices regarding sexually transmitted infections among undergraduates. This is essential in identifying knowledge gaps, understanding behavioural patterns, and guiding the development of effective sexual health education and intervention programmes within university settings. It is against this background that this study seeks to assess the knowledge and preventive practices against sexually transmitted infections among undergraduates of Wellspring University, Benin City.

1.2 Statement of the Problem
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major global public health concern, particularly among young adults who are within the sexually active age group. Despite increasing awareness campaigns and sexual health education programmes, studies have shown that STIs continue to spread rapidly, especially in developing countries such as Nigeria (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). Young people between the ages of 15–24 years are considered highly vulnerable due to risky sexual behaviours, inadequate sexual health knowledge, peer pressure, and poor preventive practices.
Evidence from existing literature indicates that many undergraduate students possess inadequate or only moderate knowledge about sexually transmitted infections, including their causes, symptoms, modes of transmission, prevention, and treatment (Oluwatosin et al., 2026). Misconceptions regarding sexual health, cultural taboos surrounding discussions about sex, and dependence on unverified information sources further contribute to poor understanding among students. Even among students who are aware of sexually transmitted infections, this knowledge does not always translate into safe sexual practices.
Studies have also revealed that risky sexual behaviours such as unprotected sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partnerships, inconsistent condom use, and delayed treatment-seeking behaviour are common among university students (Oluwatosin et al., 2026). Peer influence, substance abuse, fear of stigma, and lack of access to accurate reproductive health information have also been identified as factors contributing to unsafe sexual practices among undergraduates. As a result, many students remain at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections and developing serious complications.
The Theory of Planned Behaviour developed by Icek Ajzen explains that an individual’s behaviour is influenced by attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control. This theory suggests that undergraduate students who possess poor attitudes towards STI prevention, experience negative peer influence, or feel unable to control their sexual decisions may engage in unsafe sexual practices despite having some level of knowledge about sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, behavioural intentions and social influences play a significant role in determining preventive practices among undergraduates.
Furthermore, untreated sexually transmitted infections may lead to severe health consequences such as infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, cervical cancer, chronic pelvic pain, and increased susceptibility to HIV infection (WHO, 2023). In addition to physical health consequences, STIs may also affect students psychologically, socially, and academically.
Although several studies have examined sexually transmitted infections among secondary school students, reproductive-age women, and other population groups, limited studies have specifically focused on undergraduate students as a distinct population, particularly within private university settings such as Wellspring University, Benin City. Existing studies are often fragmented, focusing on single infections or limited behavioural aspects rather than providing a comprehensive assessment of both knowledge and preventive practices among university students.
Therefore, the persistent gap between adequate knowledge and appropriate preventive practices among undergraduates remains a significant public health concern. This highlights the need for further research to assess the knowledge and preventive practices against sexually transmitted infections among undergraduates of Wellspring University, Benin City, in order to provide evidence-based information for effective health education and intervention programmes.
1.3 Aim of the Study
The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and preventive practices against sexually transmitted infections among undergraduates of Wellspring University, Benin City.
Specific Objectives
1.assess the level of knowledge of sexually transmitted infections among undergraduates of Wellspring University, Benin City.
2.identify the causes and modes of transmission of sexually transmitted infections known by undergraduates of Wellspring University, Benin City.
3. assess the preventive practices adopted against sexually transmitted infections among undergraduates of Wellspring University, Benin City.
OTHER PARTS OF CHAPTER ONE INCLUDE:
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypotheses
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope of the Study
1.8 Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF LITERATURE (Preview)
This chapter critically examines relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and, furthermore, recognizes 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. This chapter, therefore, focuses on the concept of sexually transmitted infections, the concept of knowledge of sexually transmitted infections, prevalence and causes of sexually transmitted infections, preventive practices against sexually transmitted infections, and factors influencing knowledge and preventive practices against sexually transmitted infections among undergraduates etc. The chapter is sub-grouped into the following major headings:
2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Review
2.4 Summary of Literature Review

CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY  (Preview)
Presented below is a snapshot of key areas of the study methodology, the full and detail chapter three methodology is contained in the instant download document.

Research Design: The study adopted a descriptive research design.
Population of the Study: The population of the study comprises undergraduate students of Wellspring University, Benin City.
Sample Size Determination: The study adopted the Taro Yamane formula to determine a sample size of 325 participants.
Sampling Technique: The study employed a multi-stage sampling technique involving stratified and convenience sampling to select the individual respondents.
Research Instrument: The study utilized a structured questionnaire titled “Knowledge and Preventive Practices Against Sexually Transmitted Infections among Undergraduates of Wellspring University” as the instrument for data collection.
Methods of Data Analysis: The collected data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages to summarize and present the demographic characteristics of the respondents and their opinions. Inferential statistics, such as Cross-sectional Chi-square, were used to test the hypotheses.
Full outline for chapter three:
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Study Setting
3.3 Population of the Study 
3.4 Sample and Sampling Techniques 
3.5 Instrument for Data Collection 
3.6 Validity of the Instrument 
3.7 Reliability of the Instrument 
3.8 Procedure for Data Collection 
3.9 Method of Data Analysis
3.10 Ethical Consideration

CHAPTER FOUR; PRESENTATION OF RESULTS
MAJOR FINDINGS (Preview)
The analysis results were presented in tables. Based on the results obtained from the analysis, the following findings are made: 

i. The study found that undergraduates of Wellspring University, Benin City, demonstrate a good level of knowledge of sexually transmitted infections, as evidenced by their awareness of the modes of transmission, the risks associated with sharing sharp objects, the preventive benefits of consistent condom use, and the fact that sexually transmitted infections may not always show visible symptoms.

ii. The study found that undergraduates of Wellspring University, Benin City, demonstrate good knowledge of the causes and modes of transmission of sexually transmitted infections, including unprotected sexual intercourse, infected blood transfusion, sharing sharp objects, multiple sexual partners, and mother-to-child transmission.

iii. The study found that undergraduates of Wellspring University, Benin City, demonstrate moderate preventive practices against sexually transmitted infections, as evidenced by their responses on abstinence or sexual discipline, condom use, regular medical check-ups and screening, avoiding multiple sexual partners, and seeking health information and education.

iv. The study found a statistically significant relationship between knowledge and preventive practices against sexually transmitted infections among undergraduates of Wellspring University, Benin City. The corresponding hypothesis test showed a Chi-square value of 52.84, with 1 degree of freedom and a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis and acceptance of the alternative hypothesis.

CHAPTER FIVE:DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter covers the following outline:
5.1 Discussion of Findings   
5.2 Implications of the Study to Nursing 
5.3 Conclusion
5.4 Recommendations
5.5 Limitations of the Study
5.6 Suggestions for Further Studies
Reference
Appendix

UPLOADED BY MIRACLE