LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF VAGINAL INFECTION AMONG UNDERGRADUATE FEMALE STUDENTS IN SELECTED DEPARTMENTS IN FACULTY OF ARTS, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

ABSTRACT

Vaginal infections are common health concern among women, which can have adverse effects on reproductive health if not detected early and managed properly. This descriptive survey study assessed the level of knowledge and awareness of vaginal infections among 262 female undergraduates of the University of Benin who were selected using the multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.77 for knowledge items and 0.83 for awareness items. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, One-way ANOVA and Scheffe Post Hoc test. Findings showed that majority (51.5%) of the students were aged between 16-20 years. Majority (73.7%) of the respondents have high level of knowledge of vaginal infection, 23.3% had average knowledge, while 3.10% had low knowledge. Similarly, 77.7% had high level of awareness of vaginal infection with highest awareness on signs and symptoms (87.4%), while the least awareness was on types of vaginal infection (63.7%). Healthcare providers were the major source of information (81.7%). Major gaps in knowledge was reported as lack of quality information, lack of understanding of sexual health, inadequate health education, embarrassment about testing and stigma and limited communication with college healthcare providers. There was a significant difference in knowledge and sources of information (p=0.00), with those with low source of information exhibiting least knowledge. The study concluded that the studied population has high knowledge and high awareness of vaginal infection, and exhibited gaps in knowledge. It is recommended that nursing care practitioners should consider enlightenment campaign and education on vaginal infection on campuses and communities with high student population. Future research can focus on determinants of level of knowledge and awareness of vaginal infection among female undergraduates in Universities. Keywords: Knowledge, awareness, vaginal infection, female undergraduates, Faculty of Arts