Introduction
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain one of the predominant health issues that affect young adults.
Objectives
To determine the knowledge, attitudes and factors influencing the health seeking behaviours of undergraduate students regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections at an urban University in Jamaica.
Methods
This was a quantitative crossectional study amongyear one undergraduate nursing students (n=141). A sixteen (16) item Health Seeking Behaviourself-administered questionnaire with multiple responses was used to collect data. Statistical analysis was done using statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 20. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to summarize data.
Results
Majority (75.9%) of the respondents were between the ages 18-24years. All participants (100%) had heard about Sexually Transmitted Infections. The most commonly known STI was Gonorrhoea (96.5%) while the least known was Trichomoniasis (29.8%). Their major source of information was television (93.6%)and internet (90), while the least source of information was their parents. The most preferred treatment source was private hospitals (82.3%). Majority of the respondents would seek treatment for STIs if their symptoms were severe, cost of treatment was low and based on proximity to clinics, while the knowledge of where to get treatment was the least motivating factors to seek treatment for STIs.
Conclusion
Respondents had general knowledge about STIs,but they lacked in-depth knowledge of specific Sexually Transmitted Infections. Misconceptions and difficulty in matters of disclosure still exists. Early healthcare seeking behaviours for STIs could be facilitated through improving students’ basic knowledge regarding STIs, changing their orientation to sexual behaviour through appropriate health education and creating a supportive environment for seeking health care promptly.
Keywords: Health Seeking Behaviours, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Knowledge, Attitudes, Baccalaureate Nursing Students.
Our 7 faculties and 12 professional schools offer more than 200 programmes to some 18,000 graduate, undergraduate and continuing studies students.
The UWI, Mona ranks first in Jamaica among accredited tertiary-level programmes. In 2012, the University was again one of Jamaica’s Top 100 Employers.
