Emile Toby
Global Movement for Human Rights and Justice, West Africa
Title: Awareness and knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among school-going adolescents in Sierra Leone
Biography
Biography: Emile Toby
Abstract
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a major health problem affecting mostly young people, not only in developing, but also in developed countries. We conducted this systematic review to determine awareness and knowledge of school-going male and female adolescents in Sierra Leone of STDs and if possible, how they perceive their own risk of contracting an STD. Results of this review can help point out areas where STD risk communication for adolescents needs to be improved Over the period 1992-2014, a general increase of gonorrhea and syphilis infections was noted in Africa, both in the general population and among adolescents. From the mid-2000s however, increases in the diagnoses of sexually transmitted diseases, in particular syphilis and gonorrhea have been reported in several African countries, especially among teenagers 16-19 years old. The problem with most STDs is that they can occur symptom-free and can thus be passed on unaware during unprotected sexual intercourse. On an individual level, complications can include pelvic inflammatory diseases and possibly lead to ectopic pregnancies and infertility. The declining age of first sexual intercourse has been proffered as one possible explanation for the increase in numbers of STDs. According to data from different African countries, the average age of first sexual intercourse has decreased over the last three decades, with increasing proportions of adolescents reporting sexual activity before the age of 16 years.