Youth Knowledge and Awareness on Sexually Transmitted Infections (Stis) and Sexual Behaviours in the La-Nkwantanang Municipality
Date
2018-07
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Ghana
Abstract
Youth sexuality is of paramount concern to many stakeholders, since possible negative consequences
may occur. These include HIV/AIDS, other STIs and unintended pregnancies. In Ghana, people with
STIs are largely young people of age 19-24 years. So as to safeguard these young adults it is
essential to assess their knowledge and awareness regarding STIs. Thus, the objective of this study
was to assess the consciousness and understanding of STIs among the youth and how it affects
their sexual behaviours. The research was conducted in the La-Nkwatanang Municipality of
Greater Accra Region. A mixed method (Quantitative and Qualitative) was adopted for the
research. From a target population of youths aged 15-24 years, a total of 47 were sampled using a
mix of purposive and convenient sampling for the qualitative part of the study. A sample of 1,563
observations from the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) data who were aged 15-
24 years and resident in Urban Accra formed the basis for the quantitative analysis. Employing the
thematic method of qualitative analysis and performing a descriptive analysis on the quantitative
data, the research found that education level, media, workplace, health facilities, friends and
families and colleague workers were significant elements that affected the knowledge of STIs and
sexual behaviours among the youth in the La-Nkwatanang Municipality.
It will be important to invest adequate resources in national capacity building programme in the
recognition and avoidance of other STIs so that vulnerable youth can improve their knowledge
and awareness of such infections and also affect their sexual behaviours in a positive way.
Description
MA. Social Policy Studies
Keywords
Youth sexuality, STIs, HIV/AIDS, Ghana