KNOWLEDGE AND PREVENTION OF REPRODUCTIVE TRACT INFECTIONS AMONG FEMALE ACCOUNTING STUDENTS IN BENSON IDAHOSA UNIVERSITY, BENIN CITY.

Abstract

Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs) represent a significant global public health challenge, particularly among young adults in university settings. Female students are more vulnerable due to risky behaviors, peer pressure, and inadequate reproductive health knowledge and services. In Nigeria, cultural stigma and limited access to healthcare exacerbate this issue. This study assessed the knowledge and prevention of Reproductive Tract Infections among female accounting students at Benson Idahosa University, Benin City. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used with a census of all 148 female accounting students. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings showed high level of knowledge about RTIs causes, symptoms, and consequences. But, a knowledge-practice gap existed. Personal hygiene were strong (30.0%), while consistent condom use, HPV vaccination, and health seminar attendance were poorly adopted (20.0%). Key factors influencing preventive practices included media campaigns (Mean=3.40), online health resources (Mean=3.36), and religious/cultural beliefs (Mean=3.26). Barriers were fear of stigma (Mean=3.05) and academic workload (Mean=2.65) . The students possess a strong theoretical understanding of RTIs, but this does not consistently translate into comprehensive preventive practices. Targeted, practical, and stigma-free interventions are needed. The university management, in collaboration with the Department of Nursing and health services, should implement peer-led education programs, integrate reproductive health topics into curricula, and enhance the access to HPV vaccination and confidential testing to bridge the knowledge-practice gap. Keywords: Reproductive Tract Infections, Knowledge, Prevention, Female Students, Accounting, University, Benin City.

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urn:uuid:6e931a04-ce63-43f3-ac8d-0e620b10a621