INTRODUCTIONS

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) or venereal disease (VD), is an illness that has a significant

probability of transmission between humans or animals by means of sexual contact, including

vaginal intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex. Increasingly, the term sexually transmitted disease (STD)

is used, as it has a broader range of meaning; a person may be infected, and may potentially infect

others, without showing signs of disease. Some STD can also be transmitted via use of an IV drug

needle after its use by an infected person, as well as through childbirth or breastfeeding.

Many STD are more easily transmitted through the mucous membranes of the penis, vulva, and the

mouth. The visible membrane covering the head of the penis is a mucous membrane, though it

produces no mucus (similar to the lips of the mouth). Mucous membranes differ from skin in that

they allow certain pathogens into the body. According Sobeslovsky O et all said that a high

percentage of students knew AIDS was an STD. However, the rate fell rapidly to unsatisfactory levels

for other STD. The fact that more that one half of the students never heard that hepatitis B was

sexually transmitted raises a particular concern, because Turkey is a moderately endemic area for

the disease. A similar comment can be made for Chlamydia infections which were not recognized by

students despite being much more prevalent than HIV and AIDS in the country. In addition, young

people are not sufficiently informed about transmission routes, symptoms, and sings of STD and risk

groups. Most participants did not know STD could occur a symptomatically. This lack of knowledge

may have prevented them from noticing their disease and may be one of the main reasons for the

low prevalence of STD in this group of students.

This is one reason that the probability of transmitting many infections is far higher from sex than by

more casual means of transmission, such as non-sexual contact—touching, hugging, shaking hands

but it is not the only reason. Although mucous membranes exist in the mouth as in the genitals,

many STD seem to be easier to transmit through oral sex than through deep kissing. Many infections

that are easily transmitted from the mouth to the genitals or from the genitals to the mouth are

much harder to transmit from one mouth to another. With HIV, genital fluids happen to contain

much more of the pathogen than saliva. Some infections labeled as STD can be transmitted by direct

skin contact. Herpes simplex and HPV are both examples.

Depending on the STD, a person may still be able to spread the infection if no signs of disease are

present. For example, a person is much more likely to spread herpes infection when blisters are

present (STD) than when they are absent (STD). However, a person can spread HIV infection (STD) at

any time, even if he/she has not developed symptoms of AIDS (STD).

All sexual behaviors that involve contact with the bodily fluids of another person should be

considered to contain some risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Most attention has

focused on controlling HIV, which causes AIDS, but each STD presents a different situation.

As may be noted from the name, sexually transmitted diseases are transmitted from one person to

another by certain sexual activities rather than being actually caused by those sexual activities.

Bacteria, fungi, protozoa or viruses are still the causative agents. It is not possible to catch any

sexually transmitted disease from a sexual activity with a person who is not carrying a disease;

conversely, a person who has an STD got it from contact (sexual or otherwise) with someone who

had it, or his/her bodily fluids. Some STDs such as HIV can be transmitted from mother to child either

during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Although the likelihood of transmitting various diseases by

various sexual activities varies a great deal, in general, all sexual activities between two (or more)

people should be considered as being a two-way route for the transmission of STDs, "giving" or

"receiving" are both risky.

Healthcare professionals suggest safer sex, such as the use of condoms, as the most reliable way of

decreasing the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases during sexual activity, but safer sex

should by no means be considered an absolute safeguard. The transfer of and exposure to bodily

fluids, such as blood transfusions and other blood products, sharing injection needles, needle-stick

injuries (when medical staff are inadvertently jabbed or pricked with needles during medical

procedures), sharing tattoo needles, and childbirth are other avenues of transmission. These

different means put certain groups, such as doctors, haemophiliacs and drug users, particularly at

risk.

Recent epidemiological studies have investigated the networks that are defined by sexual

relationships between individuals, and discovered that the properties of sexual networks are crucial

to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. In particular, assortative mixing between people with

large numbers of sexual partners seems to be an important factor.

According to Wellings K et all research, among sexually experience student 31.5% indicated they had

sex with different partners at irregular intervals. 28.6% had a regular partner and a regular sex life,

16.1% had a regular partner but had sex at irregular intervals and 23.9% had no sexual activity

currently. Males (39.3%) were significantly more prone to have sex with different partners than were

females (3%). Similarly , while all students with alow SES indicated they had a regular partner and a

regular sex life almost one half (44.1%) of the middle socioeconomic class who reported always

using condoms was significantly higher than for students in the low socioeconomic class.

TITLE

A STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE OF MUCH STUDENTS ABOUT THE STD’S.

AIM

To investigate and assess the knowledge of STD’s among Masterskill students

and their attitude towards sexuality into account the high prevalence of the AIDS

pandemic

OBJECTIVES

To assess the knowledge of STD’s and attitude towards sexual behavior and

STD’s among Masterskill students.

To identify the knowledge about STD’s of Masterskill students from different

causes.

To estimate the extent attitude towards sex behavior and STD’s among

masterskill student.

To explore in the students their sources of information and knowledge of STD’s

HYPOTHESES

The will be a positive relationship between perceived social support using

condom when doing the sexual activity and the teaching the method to prevent

STD’s disease.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Student expose to the social problem because their hostel near to big city (Kuala

Lumpur).because in a big town that have more entertainment and more social life will happen.

No guide line from parent 1 of the reasons can make students involves to social problem. When

stay far from parent especially student that is a main problem causes they can go out anyone

cannot stop them.

Lack of religion education and moral that causes a free sexually. This is will show in teenager

who involves in bad attitude like go to club night, wild party, rock mental concert. Their live

more too modern like West Country.

Students like to follow a life style and a new trend from their friends was a modern from them

and west artist style. Teenager will follow what they see if that cool style they will say it trend

like Paris Hilton sleep with many guy that will say it trend.

LITERATURE REVIEW.

One research from Sarah L. Gurney etc. all (2005), California U.S.A.

Nurses practitioners in California show sexually transmitted Chlamydia infections are common

among young women, it is critical that provides screen and manage these infections appropriately.

Respondents included 708 physicians (94 % response rate) and 895 nurses practitioners 63%

respond rate. Nearly half of physicians 47%,95% confidence interval [CI] ,42% to51% and majority of

nurses practitioner 79%,95% CI ,77% to 82% reported routine Chlamydia screening of women under

age 20; similar proportions reported routinely screening women aged 20 to 25 years.

Conclusions the Chlamydia care of practices of many California primary care providers are

inconsistent with current guidelines. Targeted provider education and improved reimbursements are

potential strategies for improvement.

Richard J. Hayes (2001) in rural Tanzania to estimate the prevalence of HIV and Chlamydia

trachomatis (CT) Infections amongst adolescents in rural Mwanza region, Tanzania and their

association with demographic variable. Responded all 15-19 years olds living in household selected

by random cluster sampling were invited to participate after interview, urine was tested for HIV and

CT.

Result 9445 15-19 year old were enrolled. HIV prevalence was 0.6% (95 % CT: 0.4-0.8%) in males and

2.4 % (955 CI:2.0-2.8 %) in females, and increased steeply with age ( trend:p < 0.006 and p<0.001,

respectively). Reported current symptoms of STD ( males OR =2.5, females OR=1.9) and positive

leucocyte esterase (LE) test(males OR=3.1,females OR=2.6).

Deniz Gokengin etc all this survey produced baseline information about student knowledge of

sexually transmitted diseases ( STDs ), their sexual attitudes and their behavior to help establish

control and education programs. The study was conducted at Ege University, Izmir, Turkey, during

the ( 1999-2000 ) academic year. A total of 2,217 first and fourth year students determined by

stratified sampling constituted the study group. All students who volunteered to participate

completed a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic and knowledge factors, sexual attitudes,

behavior and history of STDs. The rate of students having had sexual experience was 36.6%. Males

were more sexually active than females. Most students ( 71.4% ) began sexual activity at ages 15-19

without any difference by gender. Young people in Turkey are sexually active and tend to engage in

high risk behavior. Study results suggest a need for implementation of

STD control programs and provision of school sexuality education for adolescents and young adults.

B.S. Reddy etc all the study was conducted at India ( 2004 ) Chlamydia infection can lead to pelvic

inflammatory disease, fallopian tube injury and infertility in women. Although the growth of C.

trachomatis is restricted to the mucosa, the consequences of infection, namely tubal sterility, pelvic

inflammatory disease can be devastating. Persistent antigen synthesis and an ineffective immune

response largely contribute to chronic inflammation, tissue damage and immunopathology

associated with salpingitis/infertility. Earlier studies have also reported an increase in endocervical

lymphocytes among women with nonulcerative sexually transmitted diseases. In response to C.

trachomatis infection, variation in detection of different cytokines was observed in cervix and

fallopian tube. Flow cytometry showed that, all the major cytokines analysed were up-regulated in

the cervical region of genital tract during C. trachomatis infection. We also analysed secreted

cytokines cervix and fallopian tube samples by ELISA levels were significantly high in the cervix of

Chlamydia positive infertile women when compared to uninfected controls. Increased level of IFN

has been reported in the endocervical secretions of C. trachomatis positive women. There was an

increase in fallopian tube. Increased levels in cervical secretions have been associated with pelvic

inflammatory disease in women.

By S.-C.Chen etc all (2006) at department of Bioengineering and Tatung University. Analysis of the

influence of therapy and viral suppression on high-risk sexual behavior and sexually transmitted

infections among patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus in Taiwan. In total, 476 (52%)

individuals had an STD diagnosis before or after awareness of a positive HIV result. Diagnosis of an

STD after knowledge of a positive HIV test result was reported by 219 (24%) patients, of whom 166

(18%) reported an STD diagnosis both before and after a positive HIV test result. The most common

STD was genital warts (25%), followed by herpes simplex virus infection (19%), syphilis (17%) and

gonorrhea (10%). Among the patients who reported a diagnosis of an STD, 83(32%) of 257 patients

who were diagnosed with syphilis or genital ulcer disease (GUD) before knowing of their positive HIV

test result were HIV-positive, compared with eight (15%) of 53 patient who did not have syphilis or

GUD before knowing of their HIV seropositivity .

By V.Gopalkrishnan etc all (2000) at Division of Molecular Oncology. Chlamydia trachomatis and

human papillomavirus infection in Indian women with sexually transmitted diseases and cervical

precancerous and cancerous lesions. Objective sexually transmitted disease (STDs) and anogenital

cancers are the major health problems in Indian women but no reliable estimate of the prevalence

of either genital Chlamydia infection or human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in STD patient is

available. The aim of this study was to detect the frequency of Chlamydia trachomatis and the most

prevalent high-risk HPV type 16 (HPV 16) infection in Indian women, with STDs and precancerous

and cancerous lesion of the uterine cervix by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and their comparison

with those of conventional serology and antigen test used for C. trachomatis detection. Result a

Chlamydia plasmid –based PCR assay detected 50% (25-50) positivity of C.trachomatis in STD

patients and HPV 16 DNA was found in 30% (15-50) of these cases which are significantly higher than

those found in healthy controls. The EIA could detect Chlamydia antigen in only 13 cases (26%) while

serological ELISA revealed evidence of Chlamydia IgG-specific antibodies in 26 (52%) cases.

Interestingly, in women with precancerous and cancerous lesion, the rate of HPV 16 infection was

very high (52% and 72%, respectively). Conclusion this is first PCR estimate of genital Chlamydia

(50%) and HPV 16 (30%) infection in STD patient’s women with precancerous and cancerous lesion

of the uterine cervix in India. The PCR method seems to be a good alternative to tissue culture.

By J.Chalker etc.all (2002) at Management Sciences for Health. Private pharmacies in Hanoi,

Vietnam: a randomized trial of a 2 year multi-component intervention on knowledge and stated

practice regarding ARI, STD and antibiotic/ steroid request. Objective to assess the effectiveness of a

multi-component intervention on knowledge and reported practice amongst staff working in private

pharmacies in Hanoi regarding four conditions: urethral discharge [sexually transmitted disease

(STD)], acute respiratory infection (ARI), non-prescription request for antibiotics and steroid. Result

the intervention/ control-pairs (22 after drop-outs) were analyses pre- and post intervention using

the Wilcoxon signed rank test. STD: More drug sellers stated they would ask about the health of the

partner (P= 0.03) and more said they would advise condom used (P= 0.01) and partner notification

(P= 0.04). ARI; More drug sellers stated they would ask question regarding fever (P= 0.01), fewer

would give antibiotics (P=0.02) and more would give traditional medicines (P= 0.03). Antibiotics

request fewer said would sell a few capsules of cefalexin without prescription (P= 0.02). Steroid

request: No statistical difference was seen in the numbers who said they would sell steroids without

a prescription as numbers declined in both intervention and control groups (P= 0.12). Conclusion the

three interventions in series over 17 months wee effective in changing the knowledge and reported

practice of drug sellers in Hanoi.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

“A STUDY TO ASSESS THE

KNOWLEDGE OF MUCH

STUDENT ABOUT

~ Unprotected Sex

~ Undesirable sexual behavior

~ Have sex art of curiosity

~ Peer pressure because lack of cash

Teenage pregnancySexual harassmentIncreasing prostitutionGonorrhea, Syphilis, Candidiasis

METHODOLOGY

Population

Researcher choose Masterskill student from intake 200801 different course

because researcher want to assess the knowledge student of Masterskill

University College Of Health & Sciences about the STD.

Simple Random Sampling

Student Masterskill (courses) Sampling student

Diploma in Nursing 6 ( 1 male , 5 female )

Medical Imaging 8 ( 2 male , 6 female )

Pharmacy 9 ( 3 male , 6 female )

Health Care 7 ( 4 male, 3 female)

Total 30

Table: Knowledgeable about STD with student Masterskill

Regarding to data collection table 1, researcher randomly choose 6 students

from population Diploma in Nursing, 8 students from Medical Imaging course, 9

student from Pharmacy course and 7 students from Health Care course from

Masterskill University College of Health & Sciences in our research. Researcher

choose different courses because to do distinction among of student Masterskill.

Respondent

Researcher chooses 30 students from different courses to research respondent.

~ Initiation of reproductive health education

in primary schools with more emphasis on

STD’s

RESEARCH DESIGN

Research design chosen by our group is a quantitative and qualitative description to find out

respondent perception for the level of knowledge regarding STD (sexual transmitted disease) among

student. Research instrument is an investigation to build by researcher based on hypotheses and

responded view point. The investigations have 2 section consist part A and B. Part A consist of

responded information such age, gender, race and program. Part B consist items that will measure

respondent perception for the research.

For some items showed, consist 8 variables, which are representing those items. The variables are

showed refer to factor, causes, opinion, process, source, effects, sign and symptom.

Researcher have to distribute research from 30 responded as sample. The responded take 15

minutes to answer the question from the research result showed a positive response from the

responded and they give a good cooperation.

INSTRUMENT

By using survey questionnaire we collect the data for this research. To get the data collection 15

survey question was develop. The some survey question was taken from a qualitative study of

Nursing, Medical Imaging, Pharmacy and Health Care intake 200801 about level knowledge STD

(sexual transmitted disease). The question includes a mix of forced choice (yes / no), 7 and 8 multiple

choice questions and 1 qualitative question. The survey questionnaire include to section A and B.

This survey distributed to 30 students Masterskill that they choose randomly.

This section A researcher chosen questionnaire about background of the respondent like researcher

ask gender, , age and course of student and for the section B question includes about the research.

Topic.

Types Of Question Total

Open – ended

Multiple choice

Qualitative

6

8

1

Figure 1

DATA COLLECTION

The data collection taken from student Nursing, Medical Imaging Pharmacy and Health Care Intake

200801 was use to investigate about the level of knowledge STD (sexual transmitted disease) among

student. 1 male and 5 female student of Nursing, 2 male and 6 female from Medical Imaging, 3 male

and 6 female from Pharmacy, 4 male and 3 female from health care course use as a data collection.

Before administer the questionnaire to the sample the researcher ask opinion of lecturer which

question is suitable or not to respondent and make sure the questionnaire is valid and reliability.

After approve by lecturer and find that no changes were mode, regarding to questionnaire

researcher distributed question to 6 of Nursing, 8 Medical Imaging, and 9 Pharmacy and 7 for Health

Care courses intakes from 200801. When the administer questionnaire, the researcher explain the

questionnaire to the sample before they agree and volunteer to answer the questionnaire.

Researcher interview the sample, explain to the sample what the sample do not understands about

the questionnaire.

Researchers explain to the sample how to answer the questionnaire. The questionnaire consist 15

questionnaires. The entire questionnaire is related to journal.1 questionnaires is a questionnaire

define, 6 questionnaires are close ended questionnaires and 8 is a multiple choices questionnaire.

The sample takes 15 minute to answer the questionnaire. Researcher fined the sample at the nurses’

cafe. Researcher started give the question to sample from at 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm to student

Pharmacy, Medical Imaging Nursing, and Health Care. Before given the question, the researcher

explain the purpose to the students answer the questions.

DATA ANALYSIS

DATA DEMOGRAPIC (SECTION A)

1) GENDER.

TABLE 1

CHOICE A B

GENDER MALE FEMALE

n 10 20

PERCENT % 33% 67%

GRAF 1

Graf 1.1 showing the gender from research at Masterskill college female more than male because

female is majority student at Masterskill College

GENDER

33%

67%

2) AGE

TABLE 2

CHOICE A B C

AGE 18-21 22-25 26-30

n 23 6 1

PERCENT% 77% 20% 3%

GRAFT 2

Base on graft 2.2 show age respondent most of student Masterskill age between 18-21 that was a

popular age and the graft is show that 77% percent. The age group from 22-25 show 6% and 3%

from the 26-30 age group.

77%

6%

3%

AGE

3)QUALIFICATION BEFORE JOINING

MASTERSKILL?

TABLE 3

QUALIFICATION NURSING MEDICAL

IMAGING

PHARMACY HEALTH CARE

SPM 14% 20% 23% 17%

STPM 7% 3% 7% 3%

DIPLOMA 0 3% 0 3%

GRAF 3

Graf 3 shows that students qualification before joining at Masterskill.14%

Students from nursing course, 20% from medical imaging, 23% from pharmacy and 17% from health

care course have SPM qualification .7% from nursing course, 3% from medical imaging,7% from

pharmacy course and 3% from health care course have STPM qualification. 3% from medical imaging

course and 3% from health care course have DIPLOMA qualification.

4) COURSE.

TABLE 4.4

COURSE NUMBER OF

STUENT

%

NURSING 6 20%

MEDICAL IMAGING 8 27%

PHARMACY 9 30%

HEALTH CARE 7 23%

TOTAL 30 100%

GRAF 4

NURSINGMIPHARMACYH.CARE

Graf 4 show that percentage of have different courses. The responder from Nursing course is

20%.The responder from Medical Imaging is 27%.The responder from Pharmacy course is 30% and

lastly is 23% responder are from Health care course.

PART B

1) Understand about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)

From 30 student, we want to assess their knowledge regarding the STD. They answer in many

meaning, 1) STD is a disease transmitted by sexual intercourse. 2) STD can be spread by

unprotected sex intercourse. 3) STD is a disease such as HIV disease. Most of the pharmacy

course, nursing course and medical imaging course students know than STD can be spread by

unprotected sex intercourse and can be involved in sex intercourse activity. Overall 19 of the

respondents know about. The STD and 11 of the respondents don’t know about the STD. Most of

23% 20%

30% 27%

the nursing course students know about it because their subject have this module and the

pharmacy course student also expose to this subject. It help researcher can get more correct

answer but the health care course and medical imaging course student are not familiar about

the STD because their do not expose the STD topic widely as nursing course students.

2) STD is not transmitted through the

TABLE 2

CHOICE NURSING MEDICAL

IMAGING

PHARMACY HEALTH

CARE

UNPROTECTED SEX 2 (29%) 2 (29%) 0 3 (42%)

HUGGING 4 (19%) 6 (28%) 9 (43%) 2 (10%)

MASSAGE 3 (15%) 4 (20%) 9 (45%) 4 (20%)

GRAF 2

This chart bar show that 7 of the students from different courses choose that STD is not transmitted

through the unprotected sex. 21 of the students choose STD is not transmitted through the hugging

and 20 of them choose massage would not transmitted the STD.

3) From where you get the information about the STD?

TABLE 3

COURSE MAGAZINES INTERNET LECTURER PARENTS RADIO

NURSING 22% 21% 26% 0% 10%

MI 22% 25% 32% 0% 40%

PHARMACY 39% 33% 16% 100% 10%

H.CARE

17% 21% 36% 0% 40%

GRAF 3

These chart bar shows that majority of the student get the information regarding STD from internet.

They 33% students choose the answer internet, 26% of students choose answer lecturer were they

gain knowledge regarding STD 24% students said that there gain knowledge about STD from

magazine by themselves. 14% students choose the radio one of the sources to get information

about the STDs. 3% of students only said that their gain STD knowledge from their parents.

4) What kind of major disease will get if STD occur?

TABLE 4

INFORMATION ABOUT THE STD

CHOICE GONNORRHEA

(G)

SYPHILIS (S) ECTOPIC

PREGNANCY

(E.P)

POLIOMYELITIS

(P.M)

NURSING 31% 21% 0 0

MI 23% 25% 25% 0

PHARMACY 23% 37% 75% 0

H.CARE 23% 17% 0 100%

GRAF 4

This chart bar about major disease we will get it STD occurs from 30 number. 13 answer gonorrhea,

24 answer syphilis, 4 answer Ectopic pregnancy follow by in choose poliomyelitis. Most of nursing

student choose answer gonorrhea and syphilis. Syphilis is one a familiar name to STD cases and this

show that our respondent know about this disease.

MAJOR

DISEASE

5) Did you agree that STD is commonly happen to women?

TABLE 5

CHOICE A B

ANSWER YES NO

N 15 15

PERCENT% 50% 50%

GRAF 5

These chart bar shows that half our respondent are understand the diseases can easily spread to

woman or girl teenager. 15 student answer yes to the question that including all nursing student

agree about it. 2 student of medical imaging say yes, 6 say no for STD and can easily happened to the

woman. From pharmacy respondent. Choose 4 yes and 5 no. Half of our respondent answer yes

because young woman especially can easily get STD because infection from toilet is one of the

reason.

STD IS COMMONLY HAPPEN TO THE WOMAN

50% 50%

6) IS it true that the teenager easily prone to get STD?

TABLE 6

CHOICE A B

ANSWER YES NO

N 23 7

PERCENT% 77% 23%

GRAF 6

EASILY PRONE TO GET STD?

23%

77%

The percentage answer, the question about the teenager is more prone to get STD in many ways is

higher 77% only 23% disagree than teenager are more prone to get STD. 100% of nursing student

answer yes. They choose this answer because a lot of expose cases in newspapers, magazine and

internet. A lot of teenager agrees with this problem now.

7) STD is happen because lack of knowledge?

TABLE 7

GRAF 7

CHOICE A B

ANSWER YES NO

N 26 4

PERCENT% 87% 13%

This chart pie show that the percentage of the student agree or disagree that STD will happen to

acknowledgeable student. 87% of respondent agree about it and 13% of respondent disagree about

it. Most of the respondent agree about people who lack of knowledge will easily get the STD. This

show that all people more alert about this issues now.

8) Micro-organism causes syphilis are

TABLE 8

CHOICE TREPONOMA

PALLIDUM (TP)

NEISSERIA

GONORHEA (NG)

SARCOPTES

SCABIES

(SS)

VIBRIO

CHOLARAE

(VC)

% 31% 38% 25% 6%

LACK OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT STD

13%

87%

GRAF 8

Based on this chart bar, it show the types of microorganism causes syphilis. The higher score are

37.5% choose Neissenia gonorrhea causes syphilis. 31% respondent choose Treponema pallidum will

causes syphilis 25% of respondent choose Sarcoptes scabies. Follow by 6% of respondent choose

Vibro cholarea is one of the microorganism causes syphilis.

9) STD is more happened to IPTA and IPTS students?

TABLE 9

CHOICE NURSING MI PHARMACY H.CARE TOTAL %

YES 4 (21%) 5 (26%) 6 (32%) 4 (21%) 19 63%

CAUSES

ORGANISM

TP

NG

SS

31%

38%

25%

6%

NO 2 (19%) 3 (27%) 3 (27%) 3 (27%) 11 37%

GRAF 9

This chart bar showing that 63% of student agree that STD can easily happened to the student who

study at IPTA and IPTS. But 37% of student disagree about it. Most of the students agree about it

because how a day most of teenager are curiosity about the thing which they are acknowledgeable

and they are easily influence from their friends.

63 %

37 %

10) Effect of STD if not treated?

TABLE 10

Effects of STD Pelvic

Inflammatory

Ectopic

Pregnancy

Infertility Chronic Pelvic

pain

% 40% 17% 31% 11%

GRAF 10

This question is a multiple choice answer and it question about what are the effects of STD if not

treated. It got four multiple choice answer which is pelvic inflammatory disease. Ectopic pregnancy,

infertility and chronic pelvic pain 40% of respondent answer pelvic inflammatory disease. 17%

EFFECTS OF STD

40%

31%

17%

11%

answer ectopic pregnancy, 31% answer infertility follow by 11% of them answer the chronic pelvic

pain.

11) Did you agree if college arranged campaign about STD?

TABLE 11

CHOICE A B

ANSWER YES NO

N 27 3

PERCENT% 90% 10%

GRAF 11

This pie

chart is

showing 90% of student agree college arranged a campaign regarding STD but that have 10%

disagree about it. This amount is bigger again agree 27 from 30 student. Respondent agree about

this suggestion because collage must be head of the leader to give the knowledge to the young

teenager to let them gain more knowledge about STD.

90%

10%

ARRANGED

CAMPAIGN

12) STD can be treated or no?

TABLE 12

CHOICE A B

ANSWER YES NO

N 18 12

PERCENT% 60% 40%

GRAF 12

This pie chart show that 18 number of the student choose the STD can be treated and 12 of them

choose that STD cannot be treated. Actually it is true we cannot treat the STD but we can prevent it.

13) Factor are list below can lead to some one get the STD?

TABLE 13

CHOICE NURSING MI PHARMACY H.CARE

VAGINAL,ORAL &

ANAL SEX

1 4 6 3

UNPROTECTED SEX 5 5 9 5

FREE SEX 3 5 9 3

GRAF 13

60%40%

This pie chart show that the factors contribute person to get STD. 41% of the student answer that

unprotected sex activity would get the STD, 35% of respondent answer, free sex will get the STD

follow by 24% answer that vaginal, oral and anal sex will get STD.

14) What are the sign & symptoms of STD?

TABLE 14

CHOICE ITCHING GENITAL ULCER VAGINAL

DISCHARGE

DYSURIA

n 15 14 20 10

% 25% 24% 34% 17%

VAGINAL,

ORAL&ANAL

UNPROTECTED

SEX

FREE SEX

GRAF 14

This chart show the result about the knowledge among of the student regarding the sign and

symptoms of STD. they can choose more than one answer. Most of the student choose vaginal

discharge and it take the 34% from the 100%. 25% of the student choose itching, 24% of respondent

choose genital ulcer and 17% choose dysuria. All of the answer are corrected but a lot of respondent

choose vaginal discharge as a sign and symptoms of STD because it commonly happen to the STD

patient.

15. What health education can be given to the pt who

Discharge home?

GRAF 15

17 %

34 % 24 %

25 %

SIGN & SYMPTOMS OF STD

10%%

14%5%

68%

10%%3%

TABLE 15

CHOICE Use separate

plate, fork,

and spoons

Safe sex

practice

Can have free

sexual

Use the

toilet

separately

Family

members

use gloves

when touch

the patient

n 5 25 1 4 2

% 14% 68% 3% 10% 5%

This chart show the result about when the patient with STD’s discharged to home. What is the

health education we need to give to the patient. Most of the respondent know that we to advise

them must use the sex practice. 25 students choose this answer, 6 of them which they have free

sexual, 4 of them choose the answer which they have to use separate plate, for and spoons. 3 of

them choose the answer must use the toilet separately and 2 of them answer that family members

have to use the gloves when touch the patient.

RESULT AND FINDING

30 students were choosing to be a sample. From the demographic data 2 male and 6 female

students from Medical Imaging course, 3 male and 6 female students from Pharmacy course with 1

male and 5female from Nursing and 4 male and 3 female from Health Care course were choosing by

researcher to be a sample for investigate. To identify level knowledgeable of Masterskill about STD

(sexual transmitted disease).

From the research 77% students under group between 18 – 21 years old it is 6 students from

Medical Imaging, 8 students from pharmacy course, 3 students from nursing course and 6 students

from Health Care course. Otherwise 20% students under group age between 22 – 25 years it is 1

student from Medical Imaging, 1students from pharmacy course, 1 student from Health Care course

and 3 students from nursing course were being sample. The balance 3% is from students under

group age between 26-30 years it is 1 student from medical imaging course.

From the research 73% students have SPM qualification. That is 6 students From Medical Imaging

course, 7 students from pharmacy course, 5 students from Health Care course and 4 students from

nursing course .Otherwise 20% student have STPM qualification. That is 1 student from Medical

Imaging, 2 students from Pharmacy course,1 student from Health Care course and 2 students from

nursing course is under STPM group.2 students from Medical Imaging and Health Care course have

DIPLOMA qualification. The percentage shows 3%.

Related to quantitative data, researcher find that 19 from 30 students or 63% know about the STD.

11 from 30 students or 37% do not know what is STD. The 5 from 8 students of Medical Imaging

course , 6 from 9 students of pharmacy course, 3 from 7 students of Health Care course and 5 from 6

students of nursing course they know about the STD.

The research shows that 7 of the students or 14% from different courses choose that STD is not

transmitted through the unprotected sex. 44% of the students said that STD is not transmitted

through the hugging and 42% of them choose massage because STD would not transmitted through

that way.

Majority of the student get the information regarding STD from internet. They are 33% students

choose the answer internet, 26% of students choose answer lecturer were they gain knowledge

regarding STD’s, 24% students said that there gain knowledge about STD from magazine by

themselves. 14% students choose the radio one of the sources to get information about the STD’s.

3% of students only said that their gain STD’s knowledge from their parents

From the quantitative data, researcher fined that 57% students know that major disease of STD’s is

syphilis. Second major disease is gonorrhea is showing that about 31%.10% of students choose the

ectopic pregnancy is one of the major disease of STD’s. Only 1 of student from 30 students choose

the Poliomyelitis as a major disease of STD’s. Only 88% of students know about the major disease

and 12% of students do not know about the major disease of STD’s. Most of nursing students choose

the answer gonorrhea and syphilis.

15 respondent or 50% from different courses such as ( 6 students from nursing,2 from medical

imaging, 4 from pharmacy, and 3 from health care course AGREE that STD’s commonly happen to

the woman. Another 50% of students DISAGREE that STD’s is not commonly happen to the women.

From the research, researcher fined that 23 from 30 student or 77% trust that now days among

teenager easily prone to get STD (5 students from Medical Imaging, 7 students from Pharmacy

course, 6 from Nursing course and 5 from Health Care course). Otherwise 7 from 30 student or 23%

do not agree. It was (3students from Medical Imaging, 2 students from Pharmacy course and 2

students from health care course). Most of the responder give opinion like, they said that the

teenager want to try new things.

5 students from nursing course, 6 students from medical imaging course, 9 students from pharmacy

course and 6 students from health care course are agree that STD’s happen because of lack of

knowledge. 26 from 30 students or 87% answer YES.1 student from nursing course ,2 from medical

imaging course and 1 from health care course are disagree that STD’s is did not happen because of

lack of knowledge. 4 from 30 students or 13% answer no.

The researcher find that 31% students choose the answer treponema pallidum as a microorganism

that causes syphilis, majority of students answer that neisseria gonorrhea is microorganism that

causes syphilis.25% of students choose the sarcobtes scabies and 6% of students answer vibrio

cholarae as a microorganism that causes syphilis. Only 31% know that microorganism that causes

syphilis is TREPONEMA PALLIDUM. 69% of students did know the microorganism that causes syphilis.

Researcher find 19 from 30 students or 63% agree that STD (sexual transmitted disease) 5 student

from Medical Imaging course, 6 student from Pharmacy course ,4 from health care course and 4

from nursing course. Otherwise 11 from 30 students or 37% did not agree that STD is more

happened to the students who study at IPTA & IPTS.

Multiple choice questions show that, 40% of students know that pelvic inflammatory disease is one

of the side effect to the STD (sexual transmitted disease). Otherwise 17% of students choose ectopic

pregnancy as a effects of STD if not treated.31% of students choose the infertility one of the effect of

STD and 11% of students know that chronic pelvic pain is one of the side effect of STD (sexual

transmitted disease.

The researchers also find that 27 from 30 students or 90% agree if college arranged some campaign

about STD, shows that 6 students from Medical Imaging course , 9 students from Pharmacy course ,6

students from Nursing and 6 students from health care course are agree to do campaign. Otherwise

10% students did not agree that college arranged campaign about the STD. is 2 students from

Medical Imaging course, and 1 from health care students.

From the quantitative data shows that 60% students think that STD (sexual transmitted disease) can

be treated (2 students from Nursing course,7 students from Medical Imaging course, 5student from

Pharmacy course and 4 students from health care course). Otherwise 40% students think that STD

cannot be treated. Only 40% of students know that STD cannot be treated but we can prevent it.

41% of students said that factor that can lead some one to get the STD is unprotected sex.

24% of students choose vaginal, oral and anal sex is one of the factors that can lead to some one to

get STD and 35% of students said that because of free sex can get STD.

From the research, researcher find that 25% of students choose itching, 24% of students answer that

genital ulcer is one of the sign & symptoms of STD. Majority of students 34% choose vaginal

discharge and 17% of students choose dysuria is sign &symptoms of std.

Majority of students 68% choose the answer of must use safe practice as a health education to be

given to the patient who is discharged to home. The students know that we should advise them

must use safe practice.14% of students use the answer of use separate plate, fork and spoons.3% of

students said that can have free sexual.10% of students choose the answer use the toilet separately

and 5% of students only choose the answer that family members have to use the gloves when touch

the patient.

From this research we able to identify that only 63% of students understand about the STD. Another

37% of students do not know about STD. The 5 from 8 students of Medical Imaging course, 6 from 9

students of pharmacy course, 3 from 7 students of Health Care course and 5 from 6 students of

nursing course they know about the STD.

DISCUSSION

The result of students view that most of respondent student of nursing, medical imaging pharmacy

and health care course from intake 200801 was give cooperation to us to completed our research

regarding the knowledge of sexual transmitted disease among student college. They also

understand that knowledge of sexual transmitted disease give them a new information.

According to data collection, around 30 student nursing, medical imaging and pharmacy intake

200801 are selected as a sampling. All of the sampling has to unsure the close ended and multiple

choice questions and all over the sampling understand what sexual transmitted disease.

The objective of this research regarding to identify about student knowledge of sexual transmitted

disease. The result from our questionnaire are supported our hypothesis. According to graph, most

of sampling are agree the student understand what is sexual transmitted disease.

This study intended to explore in the students their sources of information on and knowledge of

STD’s. These studies show that only 3% of the students get information from their parents. The

information offered through the radio or TV is not detailed enough because of cultural and religious

reason. From this research we can found that most students learn about sexuality on their own from

books, magazines, films and internet. Because of existing barrier between parents and

children ,particularly discussing on matters related to sexual relationship, the majority of students

could not correctly describe the symptoms associated with STD’s on the opposite sex partner.

STD’s can prevent if despite the good intention of introducing reproductive health education in

schools. Some believed that talking to children about sexuality will encourage youth sexual activity.

There is pressing need for parents and teachers to change this attitude, and on other hand the

government should think of an earlier initiation of reproductive health education in schools with

more emphasis on STD’s.

CONCLUSION

The finding of this study and the literature support need to rethink about the sexual

Transmitted disease. The purpose for this study is to identify the knowledgeable of

Student Masterskill about sexual transmitted disease. The aim for this study to determine level of

the knowledge student masterskill in different courses about sexual transmitted disease.

The finding from this study 19 from 30 respondent (63%) understand about sexual

Transmitted disease in different courses. The finding from this study 11 from 30 respondents (37%)

that did not understand about the STD’s. Based on graph student Masterskill from nursing courses

understand about sexual transmitted disease compare another courses Medical Imaging, Pharmacy

and Health Care. The students from health care course did not know well about the STD than other

courses student.

Students knowledge about sexual transmitted disease can be improve if masterskill

College arranged campaign regarding sexual transmitted disease at college

College can give pamphlet regarding STD’s for all students in college.

The mass media is still the major effective means of educating the society, including students, on

STD’s. Abstinence and faithful promotion activities should be encouraged as the only means

preventing and protecting the youth from acquiring STD’s. Parents and teachers should collaborate

in educating the child or students on the reproductive health. Government policy on STD’s education

should be reviewed so as to come up with more concrete ways of fighting STD’s including HIV/AIDS.

RESEARCH TOPIC:

“A STUDY TO ASSESS THE

KNOWLEDGE OF MUCH STUDENTS

ABOUT THE SEXUALY

TRANSMITTED DISEASE (STD)”

We hope that you will cooperate

with us to answer the 15

questions that given to you. You

can choose more than one answer.

THANK YOU………☺

PART A

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA.

1. GENDER

□ Male

□ Female

2. AGE

□ 18-21 years old

□ 22-25 years old

□ 26-30 years old

3. What is your qualification before join Masterskill University Health Sciences

□ SPM

□ STPM

□ DIPLOMA.

4. COURSE

□ Nursing

□ Medical imaging

□ Pharmacy

PART B

1. What you understand about Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)?………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………

2. STD is not transmitted through the

□ Unprotected Sex

□ Hugging

□ Massage

3. From where you get the information regarding STD?

□ Magazines

□ Internet

□ From the lecturer

□ Parents

□ Radio and Television

4. What kind of major disease we will get if STD occurs?

□ Gonorrhea

□ Syphilis

□ Ectopic pregnancy

□ Poliomyelitis

5. Did you agree that STD is commonly happened to the women?

□ Yes

□ No

6. In your opinion, is it true that the teenager is easily prone to get STD?

□ Yes: ………………………………………………………………………..

□ No: …………………………………………………………………………

7. STD is happen because lack of knowledge about it. Did u agree?

□ Yes

□ No

8. The micro organism that causes syphilis are

□ Treponema Pallidum

□ Neisseria gonorrhea

□ Sarcoptes scabies

□ Vibrio Cholarae

9. Did you agree that if STD is more happened to the students who study at IPTA and IPTS?

□ Yes

□ No

10. What are the effects of STD if not treated?

□ Pelvic inflammatory disease

□ Ectopic pregnancy

□ Infertility

□ Chronic pelvic pain

11. Did you agree that if college arranged a campaign regarding STD?

□ Yes

□ No

12. In your own opinion the STD can be treated or not?

□ Yes

□ No

13. Did you know that the factors are list below is can lead to someone to get the

STD?

□ Unprotected sex

□ Vaginal, oral, anal sex

□ Free sex

14. Did you know about the sign & symptoms of STD?

□ Itching

□ Genital ulcer

□ Vaginal discharge

□ Dysuria

15. A patient with the STD is discharged to home. What health education can be

given to the patient?

□ They have to use separate plate, fork and spoons

□ Must use the safe sex practice

□ Can have free sexual

□ Use the toilet separately

□ Family members have to use the gloves when touch the patient

REFRENCES

Kapinga, SH; Hunter, DJ; Nachtigal, G. Reproductive knowledge and contraceptive awareness and

practice among secondary school pupils in Bagamoyo and Dar es Salaam. Central Africa Journal of

Medicine. 1992;38(9):375–380.

Ministry of Health (MOH), author. National Policy Guidelines and Standards for Family Planning

Service Delivery and Training. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; 1994.

Kessy, A. Prevalence and risk factors for HIV and other STDs among youth in Moshi Rural District. Dar

es Salaam: University of Dar es Salaam; 1996. Master of Medicine Dissertation. 86pp.

Deniz Gokengin, Tansu Yamazhan, Deniz ozkaya, Sebnem Aytung, Ekin Ertem, Bilgin Arda and Demir

Serter (2003).Sexual knowledge, Attitudes, and risk behaviors of students in turkey.Journal science

Health;73:258-263.

Wellings k, Wadaswort j, Johnsan AM (1995). Provision of sex education and early sexual experience.

The relation examined,311:417-420.

Deniz Gokengin, Tansu Yamazhan, Deniz ozkaya, Sebnem Aytung, Ekin Ertem, Bilgin Arda and Demir

Serter (2003).Sexual knowledge, Attitudes, and risk behaviors of students in turkey.Journal science

Health;73:258-263.

Abstract

BackgroundIn Tanzania, it is considered a taboo for teachers and parents to talk with children about sexual matters including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in schools and at home because of cultural and religious barriers. Political pressure also keeps sexual education and thus education on STDs out of classrooms. Generally, there is disagreement over STDs education on what to teach, by whom, and to what extent. ObjectivesTo assess the knowledge of STDs, and attitude towards sexual behavior and STDs among secondary school students. MethodsThis was a cross- sectional study using a semi-structured questionnaire. A sample size of 635 students was determined by simple random sampling. ResultsMajority of the students (98%) said have heard about STDs; however their knowledge of the symptoms associated with STDs was poor. Similarly 147 (23%) students did not know other means of STDs transmission rather than sexual intercourse. A number of students who were capable of identifying all tracer STDs was comparable between the ordinary (10.5%) and advanced (10.6%) level students (p<0.001). Thirty-two students (8%) were completely unable to identify even a single tracer STD. About 96% respondents said were capable of preventing themselves from contracting STDs, however 38% of them admitted that they were at risk of contracting STDs. Majority (99%) described more than one source of information on STDs, television and radio were the most commonly mentioned sources, whilst none of them cited parents as source of information (p<0.001). Regarding vulnerability to STDs, 503 (79%) students said female students were more vulnerable to STDs compared to males. ConclusionsThe level of knowledge about STDs (ability to identify tracer STDs, to describe symptoms associated

with STDs and their mode of transmission) is poor with regard to the students' levels of education.

Female students are more vulnerable to STDs compared to male counterparts. Mass media is still

the more effective means of educating the students on STDs.

Introduction

Several studies on STDs have been evaluating sexual behaviour for quite a while. Following HIV pandemic from 1980–1990s, the focus on sexual evaluation intensified1– 4. The researchers have been investigating sexual behaviour in a variety of contexts often asking the same questions for various purposes. Some authors evaluated sexual behaviour in relation with STDs and family planning programmes in order to assess individuals' risk to STDs2. In both cases infected as well as uninfected populations were involved and behaviour risk factors to STDs were identified1–5. Others concentrated on specific groups to describe and identify high and low risk subpopulations6–9. However, statistics on STDs show no sign of abating; the ever-increasing number of STDs and deaths due to HIV/AIDS are common now, particularly in developing countries. As the time goes on the trend of STDs is becoming a big problem among the youth10.

The situation in Tanzania is even worse; where about 2.2million adults and children were estimated that have been infected with STDs including HIV/AIDS11. The crisis is noted to be severe particularly for the youth. Approximately 17% of children under 15 years of age in Tanzania had been infected by STDs, and about 50% of the STDs occur before the age of 29 years11–12. In a previous survey on youth sexuality and behavior for primary school pupils in Dar es Salaam, it was observed that 62% males and 35% of females were at risk of acquiring STDs13 , whilst others1 found that over 80% of male and 25% of female secondary school students were predisposed to STDs.

In 1996 a similar survey was conducted on primary schools in Dar es Salaam, which showed that 54% of the interviewed students aged between 11–19 years, were at the risk of contracting STDs. Many of the pupils were involved in unprotected sex, thus many had been exposed to STDs4. The reasons put forward for the youth sexuality included youths being sexually active because they wanted to have sex out of curiosity and some had been pushed into early sex by peer pressure. Other given reasons were examples set by parents and siblings, mass media as well as lack of cash and employment opportunities8.

Moreover, in Tanzania, it is considered a taboo for teachers and parents to talk with pupils/children about sexual matters, such as sexual relationships, and STDs in schools as well as at home because of cultural and religious barriers14. Political pressure, on the other

hand, often keeps sexual education and thus education on STDs out of the classrooms15. The sensitivity of sexuality and youth behavior obstructs education on STDs despite the fact that there is now a stronger commitment to address STDs in schools. Therefore, this survey was conducted in order to investigate and assess the knowledge of STDs among secondary school students and their attitude towards sexuality taking into account the high prevalence of the AIDS pandemic.

Method

Study design: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in 14 randomly selected secondary schools involving all 3 districts of Dar-es-Salaam region within a 3-month period in the year 2005. A well-designed, semi-structured and self-administered questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions was used for data collection. At least 4 secondary schools from each district were selected in which 45 students were randomly selected (irrespective of their gender, education levels and ages) and voluntarily involved in the study, under verbal and written consent.

Sample size: A sample size of 635 students was determined by using recommended statistical methods 16, 17 and preliminary data obtained in a pilot survey.

Data collection: A questionnaire was used to collect information from the student. The questionnaire elicited if the student had knowledge of STDs (ability to identify tracer STDs, to describe some symptoms associated with STDs, and to describe means of transmission, and preventive measures); and what his /her sources of information on STDs were. Similarly, the student was asked on whether she/he was felt vulnerable to STDs and on which gender was more prone to STDs giving reasons to the response.

Ethical issues: These were addressed by requesting permission to conduct the study, which was obtained from the respective District Administrative Secretary (DAS), school authorities with additional personal consent from the student, and from parents/guardians for the case of the under 18 year-old students. The students also were assured of confidentiality of volunteered information.

Data analysis: All questionnaires were assigned numbers, coded and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 10) computer software. Differences on knowledge of STDs among various groups categorized by age, form/education level and gender were analyzed and the significance level was set at p<0.01.

ResultsStudy population and knowledge of STDsIn this study 635 students were interviewed, out of these 264 (42%) were females and 371 (58%)

were males (Table 1). Their ages ranged from 13 to 25 years, however most of them (60%) had age

between 17 and 19 years. All completed the questionnaires. About 99% of the students said they

have had heard of STDs, while the rest said they have had never heard of them. Out of the 635

students, only of 67 (11%) students (29 females and 38 males) were capable of identifying the entire

tracer STDs, as depicted in Table 2. A number of students who were capable of identifying correctly

all the STDs was comparable between the ordinary (10.5%) and advanced (10.6%) level students

(p<0.01). Gonorrhea, syphilis, candidiasis and AIDS were mentioned by 10% of the respondents. A

total of 304 (48%) students were capable of mentioning only three tracer STDs (Table 2). Of the 304

students who managed to mention at least three STDs, 123 (40%) of them mentioned AIDS,

candidiasis and gonorrhea. Amazingly 32 (5%) students (22 males and 10 females), who could not

identify even a single tracer STD were all ordinary level students. It was also revealed that most

students had poor knowledge on the symptoms associated with STDs. Seventy-three (11.5%) female

and 92 (14.5%) male students accurately described some symptoms associated with STDs. Two

hundred and fifty-five (39%) were completely unable to describe the symptoms compared with 165

(26%) who were able to describe the STD-associated symptoms correctly (p< 0.001) as shown in

Table 3.

Knowledge of means of STDs transmission and prevention

With respect to the knowledge on other means through which STDs could be transmitted other than

sexual intercourse, 488 (77%) students responded positively while 147 (23%) were unable to

respond. Six hundred and thirteen (96%) students said they were able to protect themselves from

contracting STDs, 16 (2.5%) said can not protect themselves and 6(1%) were not sure. Only 294

(46%) of the students said they were not at risk of contracting STDs, while 243 (38%) said were at

risk. The responses given by the 46% of students, who felt that were not predisposed to STDs, they

said that could be achieved through faithfulness (8%), abstinence (33%) and 6% said by use of

condom. Ninety-eight (15%) students were not sure or did not know whether they were at risk or

not. On the other hand, the main reason given by the majority of the respondents (12%) who feared

that were at risk of contracting STDs said it was due to statistics, implying that it was due to the

prevalence of HIV/AIDS pandemic (Table 4). Therefore, they also were automatically at risk, because

of the high prevalence of STDs amongst the population.

Vulnerability to STDs between female and male students

Regarding vulnerability to STDs, 503 (79%) students stated that females were more vulnerable to

STDs compared to their male counter parts, while only 132 (21%) said males were more vulnerable.

The main reasons mentioned included anatomical structure 238 (37.5%), sexual abuse 103 (16%)

and 16 (2.5%) said differences in careers was the reason for vulnerability. Table 4 also summarizes

other reasons given by the students for being prone to STDs: 6% sexual abuse and blood transfusion,

10% temptation, 2% financial constrains and 1% accidents.

Sources of information on STDs

Majority of students 629 (99%) were capable of mentioning multiple sources of information about

knowledge of STDs, and this did not match with neither age nor education level of the students.

However, none of them mentioned parents or teachers as source of information or knowledge about

STDs. Radio and television were cited by 590 (93%) students as the source of information on STDs

while the rest 45 (7%) students had sought information on their own from internet and books

(p<0.001).

Discussion

This study intended to explore in the students their sources of information on and knowledge of STDs. The study revealed that majority of the students had heard about STDs, though none of them mentioned parents or relatives as a source of information, coinciding with previous findings5, 8. Certainly, this is due to the fact that the information offered through radio or TV is not detailed enough because of cultural and religious reasons11. For that matter, most of them could not describe the symptoms associated with STDs. Also because of the existing barrier between parents and children, particularly discussing on matters related to sexual relationship, the majority of the students could not correctly describe symptoms associated with STDs on the opposite sex partner. Other researchers5 found that most adolescents learn

about sexuality on their own from books, magazines and films. This may somehow be rather more detrimental to them than educative, since the exploration is unguided.

The results further showed that most of the students were confident that they could protect themselves from acquiring STDs. However, very few believed that faithfulness, abstinence and condom use could be the ideal means of protection. The findings of this study showed that females were more vulnerable to STDs, parallel with the findings15 and contrary to those1,

5, who found that males were more sexually active and therefore more likely to contract STDs than their female counterparts. Regarding the knowledge on other means of STDs transmission apart from sexual intercourse, 147 (23%) students were unable to respond. This result was unexpected bearing in mind that the respondents are secondary school students. Therefore, this study finding calls for a review of the current curricula for secondary schools.

In the last two decades sexual behavior exhibited by school adolescents and youth between 19 to 24 years has led to the emergence of several health and developmental problems among students11. Among the key issues associated with these problems were unprotected sex and undesirable sexual behavior, teenage pregnancy, sexual harassment and increasing cases of prostitution. Despite the good intention of introducing reproductive health education in schools, obstacles have been observed14. There is a considerable disagreement over school STDs education including what to teach, at what setting, by whom, and to what extent. It is still believed that talking to children about sexuality will encourage youth sexual activity7. Nevertheless, there is a pressing need for both parents and teachers to change this attitude, and on the other hand the government should think of an earlier initiation of reproductive health education in primary schools with more emphasis on STDs.

Conclusion

Our study showed that, symptoms associated with STDs in both males and females were not well known by a significant number (39%) of the students. The study also revealed that approximately 10% of the studied population could not identify a single tracer STD, however at least every student knew one way through which one could protect from acquiring STDs. The mass media is still the major effective means of educating the society, including students, on STDs. Abstinence and faithful promotion activities should be encouraged as the only means of preventing and protecting the youth from acquiring STDs. Therefore it is recommended that parents and teachers should collaborate in educating the students/children on the reproductive health affairs particularly STDs, in more open and comprehensive way. Special efforts such as regular counseling and more amicably talks between parents/teachers and female students should be conducted and intentionally be directed at this group of students since seems to be more vulnerable to STDs. Government policy on STDs education should be reviewed so as to come up with more concrete ways of fighting STDs including HIV/AIDS.