Knowledge regarding sexually transmitted diseases among students of Kajjansi Progressive Secondary School in Lweza, Wakiso district. Cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/v6brqd43Keywords:
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), secondary school students, STI transmission, STI symptoms, sexual health education, Wakiso DistrictAbstract
Background:
Knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents is essential for preventing transmission and promoting early diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, this study aims to assess the knowledge regarding sexually transmitted diseases among students of Kajjansi Progressive Secondary School in Lweza, Wakiso District.
Methodology:
The study employed a cross-sectional design using quantitative methods. 90 participants were recruited through stratified and systematic random sampling. Self-administered questionnaires were used; data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Word 2010 and presented in the form of descriptive statistics.
Results:
The study had 90 respondents, 46.7% of the respondents were between 11 and 15 years; 66.7% were in O-Level, 82.2% were Christians, and 57.8% were male. All 90 (100%) of the respondents had ever heard about sexually transmitted infections; Majority, 72 (80%) identified gonorrhea as a curable STI; 86 (95.6%) reported STI’s are transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse; 80 (88.9%) disagree that STIs only affect women; Slightly more than half, 47 (52.2) reported that showering after sex had a protective effect towards acquiring STIs; and more than half, 53 (59%) reported burning urination as a symptom of STIs. Respondents were asked to name the source of the information about STDs, and the main responses were from teachers, health workers, peers, media platforms such as the internet and radio. Some of the sexually transmitted infections that were known to the respondents were HIV, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
Conclusion:
The study showed that most students had high awareness of sexually transmitted infections, including their transmission and common symptoms. However, some misconceptions about STI prevention still exist among the students, indicating gaps in comprehensive knowledge.
Recommendations:
Schools should strengthen sexual health education, involve health workers in school health talks, and promote accurate sources of information to improve students’ understanding and prevention of STIs.
References
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2. Mmbaga, E. J., Leonard, F., & Leyna, G. H. (2007). Knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases among secondary school students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. African Health Sciences, 7(3), 165–169.
3. Ofori, R., Boampong, M. S., Arthur, A. N., Sekyi, D., & Appiah, S. C. Y. (2025). Awareness and predictors of knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases among early adolescents in Koforidua, Ghana: A mixed-methods study. Reproductive Health, 22, 184. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-025-02070-6
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Copyright (c) 2026 Lillian Chance Agondeze, Ronald Mbide, Hasifah Nansereko, Franisco Ssemuwemba, Jane Frank Nalubega, Immaculate Prosperia Naggulu (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
