Drug Use and High-risk Sexual Behavior among School-Going Adolescents in Nigeria

Investigating fertility health knowledge and lifestyle risk factors among Nigerian university students: A cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVES

Adolescents who are unaware of infertility risk factors and the long-term health effects of their lifestyle choices may participate in unsafe sexual and lifestyle behaviors. Their reproductive goals and health may be affected by such behaviors. Adolescents' awareness of male and female infertility risk factors was assessed, along with lifestyle risk variables related to sexual behavior and psychoactive substance use. The causes of inconsistent condom use were also examined.

METHODS

In 2022, a cross-sectional survey was undertaken involving 598 sexually active university students from Nigeria (18.6 years±0.9), the majority of whom were female (57.2 %). Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and binary logistic regression were utilized in the data analysis to determine the influence of lifestyle factors and levels of knowledge on fertility.

RESULTS

Most participants had a moderate understanding of male and female infertility risk factors. The results showed that female students were more informed. Multiple sexual partners and psychoactive substance use were common lifestyle variables. Younger female students, those with several partners, and participants who frequently used alcohol and narcotics used condoms inconsistently.

CONCLUSIONS

The study emphasizes the need for fertility health and lifestyle risk education for Nigerian youth. Despite moderate knowledge, lifestyle implications on fertility are unclear. Fertility health education in schools could help students make informed reproductive choices and lower the risk of infertility and chronic diseases. Research is needed to confirm findings and inform nationwide targeted interventions.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Indonesian urban communities regarding HPV infection, cervical cancer, and HPV vaccination

Background

Few studies explored Indonesian understanding of cervical cancer (CC) and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. We aimed to investigate the association between knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) and socio-demographical influences related to HPV, CC, and vaccination among Indonesian urban citizens.

Methods

We conducted an online survey during March 2020-August 2021 using the Snowball sampling technique. The socio-demographic characteristic and KAP responses were collected via Google Forms from 400 respondents in Jakarta. The knowledge and attitudes were divided into HPV and CC (aspect 1) and HPV vaccination (aspect 2). Correlation between KAP scores was performed using Spearman’s test, and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine KAP predictors.

Results

Indonesian urban citizens in Jakarta were found to have poor knowledge in individual aspects of the inquiry but moderate knowledge overall, good attitude in inquiry both in each aspect and overall, and unsatisfying practices. Overall, in the general population, men, and women respectively: 50.8%, 32.4%, and 53.6% had good knowledge; 82.0%, 75.2%, and 84.4% expressed positive attitude; and 30.3%, 15.2%, and 35.6% applied favorable practice regarding questions inquired. Knowledge was weakly correlated towards attitude (ρ = 0.385) but moderately correlated with practice (ρ = 0.485); attitude was moderately correlated with practice (ρ = 0.577), all results: p<0.001. Significant odds ratio (OR) for predictors to good knowledge were female sex (OR = 2.99), higher education (OR = 2.91), and higher mother’s education (OR = 2.15). Factors related to positive attitudes were higher mother’s education (OR = 4.13), younger age (OR = 1.86), and better results in the knowledge inquiries (OR = 2.96). Factors that suggested better practices were female sex (OR = 2.33), being employed (OR = 1.68), excellent knowledge scores (OR = 4.56), and positive attitudes expressions (OR = 8.05). Having done one vaccination dose and intention to receive vaccines were significantly influenced by good KAP.

Conclusions

KAP had inter-association to successful CC and HPV prevention programs, and socio-demographical characteristics are critical to influencing better KAP.

Experiences of Getting Reproductive Health Information from Friends as the Most Influenced Factor on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Risk Behavior in Adolescents

BACKGROUND: Adolescents are a vulnerable group to reproductive health and sexuality problems. The problem of drug use and premarital sexual behavior is the focus of attention for adolescents because it can be a risk of HIV transmission. Providing information from various parties regarding reproductive health is expected to reduce adolescents risk of carrying out HIV risk behaviors. AIM: This study purpose was to analyze the experience of obtaining reproductive health information (from friends, parents, community, community leaders, social media, and organizations) that most influence HIV risk behavior in adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on adolescents aged 15–19 years living with their parents in Surakarta. The research sample was 450 teenagers. The sampling used convenience sampling technique and data collection using a questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test in bivariate analysis and logistic regression in multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Information from friends is the most influential factor on HIV risk behavior in adolescents (OR = 0.314, CI = 0.090–1.102). Teenagers who get information from friends tend to carry out HIV risk behaviors because the information is not credible and comprehensive and is more toward the negative, namely, pornography. CONCLUSION: Reproductive health information from friends is not necessarily correct. Efforts to improve the skills of adolescents to find credible sources of information on reproductive health and sexuality are needed to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.