Abstract:

Sexually Transmitted Infections have a very serious impact on sexual and reproductive health worldwide and they rank among the top five disease categories for which young adults seek healthcare. Therefore this study assessed the health seeking behavior of undergraduate students of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) towards STIs.

The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey that applied both qualitative (focus group discussion) and quantitative methods (questionnaire) of data collection. Four hundred and thirty-one respondents participated in the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21 to generate descriptive (frequency tables and charts) and inferential statistics (correlation).

Results showed that majority (74.2%) of the respondents have heard of STIs; HIV (80%) was the most commonly known, and Trichomoniasis (128; 29.7%) as least. The major source of information was television (350;81.2%); most preferred treatment source was private hospitals (205; 47.6%). Self -preference, inconvenience as a result of symptoms and knowledge of a place to get treatment were the best motivators of seeking treatment. Perceived risk of ill-health was high at 19.25 on a 28 point scale. There was a positive significant relationship between treatment options and perceived risk of ill-health (r =.318, p < .01).

Respondents had a fair health seeking behavior towards STIs, but misconceptions still exist. More synchronized actions need to be made by schools, the government, NGOs, the media and other stakeholders to enhance young people’s health seeking behavior towards STIs.

Keywords: Health seeking behavior, STIs, Youths, Ill-health, Source of care, Students

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