Abstract
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) continue to remain a public health concern globally, especially
among young females within the reproductive age (15-49). Levels of knowledge with regard to STDs have been
investigated in prior research; however, these investigations have been limited primarily to older adolescents,
young adults and males. Grounded in the social cognitive and subjective culture theories, this quantitative,
cross-sectional study assessed STD knowledge (other than HIV/AIDS) among females within the LASUTH
community, Ikeja, Lagos state.
A descriptive cross-sectional survey design with a quantitative method was adopted while the sample comprised
of 356females within LASUTH, which were selected through Multistage sampling techniques. The instrument
used was a structured, validated questionnaire with a Cronbach’s alpha result of 0.78. Three hundred and fifty
six questionnaires were administered to examine the level of Knowledge of females within the reproductive age
to the risk factors and underlying conditions of STDs, Attitudes of females towards the risk factors and
underlying conditions, practice of females and perception of the females. Data were analysed and presented as
descriptive statistics using SPSS version 20.0.
Results showed that, a handful of the respondents, 36.8%, were between the ages of 31 to 40, 50.8% of the
respondents had secondary school, 48.6% were in a relationship, and 58.1% were Christians. 95.2% were
aware of STDs, 28.7% had received information clinic/hospital, 50.8% were aware of safe sex, 91.3% knew how
STDs were transmitted, and 74.4% had an understanding of how STDs were transmitted. 91.3% knew other
STDs other than HIV, 27.8% knew abdominal pain as a sign and symptom of STDs, and 56.2% as the most
common complication if STDs are left untreated, a handful of the respondents (23%) knew a spouse/live-in
partner that had STDs, and 52% knew viruses as the possible cause of STDs. 97.5% agreed that condoms
protect during sexual intercourse while a low level of respondents (25.8%) agreed that washing of genitals after
sexual activity can reduce the risk of contracting of STDs. 71.6% disagreed that they cannot have any other
STDs apart from HIV, 57% agreed that all STDs can be cured, 71.3% have never had an STD before, 65.4%
stated that they are not susceptible to have other STDs than HIV, 74.2 make use of health services but 43% will
not make use of health services if they have an STD. 41.9% respondents showed that abdominal pain was the
sign and symptom when they had an STD.
In conclusion, knowledge of STDs is low among the studied respondents. There is a need to educate females
within the reproductive age about STDs to increase their knowledge and awareness. Adequate medical attention
should contain prevention measures for potential infections which includes refining the methods of secondary
prevention by identifying persons susceptible and aim at them for interventions.
