ABSTRACT
The study focused on the effect, prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among female university students. It seeks to examine the most effective strategies for improving the detection and management of sexually transmitted diseases and examine how public health interventions can be optimized to address the high prevalence of curable sexually transmitted diseases among female students in the University of Benin. In this research work four (4) research questions were raised to guide the study.
A descriptive survey research design was adopted to carry out this study. The population of the study comprises the 16 faculties of the University of Benin. The stratified sampling technique was used to get a sample size of 158 students. The research Instrument used was a structured questionnaire used to obtain data from the sample population. The validity of the instrument was carried out by the supervisor and two other lecturers from the department of Health, Safety and Environmental Education. A test-retest method was used to obtain the reliability of the instrument. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as simple percentage and frequency table.
The findings of this study revealed that that the most effective strategies for improving STI detection and management among female students in the university of Benin include awareness campaigns, offering free confidential screening services, implementing routine STI checkups, provision of free contraceptives and comprehensive sexual education programs.
Implementing comprehensive sexual health education programs in university campus and streamlining sexual health education in the school curriculum to effectively raise awareness about the existence, effects, prevention and treatment of STIs. Also, Promoting safe sex practices through workshops and peer education programs, collaborating with students organizations to promote sexual health is recommended to reduce the growing prevalence of STIs among female undergraduates in the University of Benin. Lastly, it is recommended that free confidential screening services should be offered, routine STI checkups should be implemented and provision of free contraceptives to reduce the prevalence of STIs in the University
