EVALUATION OF PERCEIVED FACTORS INFLUENCING TRANSMISSION AND PREVENTION PRACTICES OF SEXUAL TRANSMITTED DISEASES AMONG LAW STUDENTS IN BENSON IDAHOSA UNIVERSITY, BENIN CITY.

Abstract

This study investigated the perceived factors influencing the transmission and prevention practices of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among law students at Benson Idahosa University, Benin City. The objective was to assess the perceived factors influencing the transmission and prevention practices of STDs among these students. A descriptive crosssectional research design was adopted for the study. The target population comprised 238 undergraduate law students of Benson Idahosa University across different levels of study. A convenience sampling technique was used to select participants. The instrument for data collection was a well-structured, self-administered questionnaire developed in line with the study objectives. Completed questionnaires were coded and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 24.0. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used for analysis. Results showed that 59.3% of respondents had a good perception of STD transmission, 32% had a moderate perception, and 8.7% had a poor perception. Findings further revealed that 77.7% of respondents agreed that the listed factors influenced STD transmission, while 22.3% disagreed. Additionally, 93% agreed that the perceived factors influencing STD prevention practices included consistent condom use, good awareness of STD prevention methods, adequate knowledge of STDs, regular health education programs, availability of free or affordable condoms on campus, confidential health services, school-based awareness campaigns, access to counseling and testing centers, and religious teachings. Furthermore, 92.8% agreed that effective strategies for enhancing STD prevention practices included organizing regular sexual health education programs, providing free and confidential STD testing, implementing peer-led awareness campaigns, ensuring easy access to condoms, integrating sexual health education into the university curriculum, and utilizing social media platforms for awareness. The study concluded that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major public health challenge among young adults worldwide, with developing countries like Nigeria bearing a significant portion of the burden. Despite awareness campaigns and school-based health initiatives, the rate of STI infections among university students remains high. It is therefore recommended that the university should integrate regular and ageappropriate sexual and reproductive health education into its general studies or orientation programs. This will help correct misconceptions and equip students with accurate information about STDs, their transmission, and prevention. KEYWORDS: Perceived , Influencing , Transmission , Prevention Practices, Sexual Transmitted Diseases.