Youth Knowledge and Awareness on Sexually Transmitted Infections (Stis) and Sexual Behaviours in the La-Nkwantanang Municipality

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.