Awareness and Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Students of the National Open University of Nigeria, Wuse 2 Study Centre, Abuja

Background and Objective: Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) remain a major public health concern, causing significant morbidity and mortality among adolescents and adults. The lack of awareness and proper information about STDs has led to increased transmission and deaths, particularly among undergraduate students. This study examines STD prevention awareness among undergraduate students at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Wuse 2 Study Centre. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, utilizing a combination of stratified random sampling. A total of 295 respondents participated, providing data through structured questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with Chi-square tests applied to assess the significance of findings at a 0.05 alpha level. Results: Revealed a significant gender-based difference in STD awareness among students. The Chi-square (χ²) value (62.88) exceeded the table value (16.26) at a 5% significance level with three degrees of freedom, indicating a notable variation in responses. Similarly, another Chi-square test (χ² = 73.45) confirmed differences in STD knowledge among students regardless of personal gratification levels. Conclusion: The study highlights the influence of cultural norms, societal attitudes, and beliefs on sexual health awareness. It underscores the need for government-led initiatives to enhance STD awareness and control through continuous education and engagement with sexual health topics. Promoting comprehensive sexual health education will help equip students with the necessary knowledge to prevent STD transmission and safeguard their well-being.