Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Prevention among Adolescents in Mbala District, Zambia

Abstract

Background: This study explores knowledge and attitude on prevention of STIs among 163 adolescents in Mbala district. With the increased outpatient department (OPD) cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among the adolescents, concerns have emerged regarding various factors such as lack of knowledge on prevention, attitude of adolescents and preventive practices because adolescents often lack access to relevant health information. The aim of this study is to investigate knowledge, attitude, and practices on prevention of sexually transmitted infections STIs among adolescents in Mbala district of Northern Province, Zambia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at selected health facilities in Mbala district offering primary healthcare services to adolescents aged 10 to 19 years. A simple random sampling method was used to select the participants using a lottery method.

Results: The results indicated that 66 (40%) adolescents had high knowledge level, and 98 (60%) adolescents had negative attitude on prevention of STIs while 85 (52%) adolescents had inadequate prevention practices towards STIs.

Conclusions: The study revealed that knowledge levels were high among adolescents though low knowledge levels were expressed on correct signs and symptoms of STIs.  The study further, revealed that adolescents had negative attitude and inadequate preventive practices towards STIs prevention. Thus, there was a need to engage school administrators to incorporate adolescent health and STI prevention education into the curriculum using locally relevant and culturally sensitive materials and to develop a peer education program where adolescents would train other adolescents using relatable messages that are effective for the target age group.