Abstract
This study investigated the knowledge and practices of sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention among students in selected faculties within a tertiary institution in Edo State, Nigeria. With rising STI rates among young adults in Nigeria, understanding the factors influencing STI prevention practices is essential. This study aimed to uncover the levels of awareness, preventive behaviors, and the social and cultural factors impacting students' STI prevention measures. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design to assess STI prevention knowledge and practices among the student population. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic factors, knowledge levels, preventive practices, and influencing factors such as peer influence, access to resources, and cultural beliefs. Simple random sampling technique was used to ensure representation across different faculties, age groups, and years of study with a sample of 388.This method enabled the study to capture a diverse student population within the institution, enhancing the reliability of the results. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted. Mean values and standard deviations measured knowledge levels and practices, while chisquare tests and odds ratios assessed the associations between demographic factors, influencing variables, and STI prevention practices. A mean-based decision rule determined the categorization of good versus poor preventive practices. In conclusion, the study figure that while students at the University of Benin possessed a foundational knowledge of STI prevention, there was a pronounced gap between this knowledge and actual preventive practices. This discrepancy suggests that educational interventions must not only focus on increasing awareness but also address the socio-cultural and environmental barriers that impede effective STI prevention. This conclusion is consistent with the findings of Chironda et al. (2019), who also highlighted the importance of integrating community-specific factors into health education strategies. Key words: sexually transmitted infection, Knowledge, Practices and Young adults.
