Risky Sexual Behavior And Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Students In The Ministry Of Health Training Institutions In The Tano North District

ABSTRACT Background: The lives of the young ones are outshined by a variety of reproductive health phenomena such as unintended pregnancies, reproductive health issues and sexually transmitted infections including HIV. In Africa, particularly in Ghana, many young people engage in sexual behaviours raising their vulnerability to STIs. The main objective of this study was to investigate risky sexual behavior and sexually transmitted infections among students in MoH institutions in the Tano North district of Brong Ahafo region. The study specifically, determined the proportion of students who engage in risky sexual behaviour, knowledge level on STIs among the students, risk perception on STIs and finally determined the association between risky sexual behaviour and STIs. Methodology: A cross-sectional quantitative study using structured questionnaire was conducted. A multi-stage proportional sampling was adopted. A sample of 424 students was randomly selected for the study. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data on demographics, sexual behaviours and STIs. The data were processed and analyzed using Stata (version 14.1) software. Frequencies, chi-square test and logistic regression were used for the final analyses. Results: The study found that out of the total sample, 242 (56.9%) were sexually active with females forming the majority (60%). It also revealed that the minimum age of sexual debut for self and that of their sexual partners was 10 and 12 years respectively. Overall knowledge on STIs was very low and 78.1% perceive STIs not to be dangerous. The multivariate analysis showed that there is a significant association between risky sexual behaviour and STIs. Conclusion: The study revealed that students engage in risky sexual behaviour and this can be attributed to the low knowledge level and perception concerning STIs. However, the study affirmed a significant association between risky sexual behaviour and STIs.