Knowledge of sexually transmitted infections and barriers to seeking health services among high school adolescents in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background: Insufficient knowledge about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and issues around accessing health services are among the major impediments to successfully prevent STIs among adolescent populations in developing countries. Objectives: To assess knowledge of adolescents about STIs and identify the barriers to seeking reproductive health service among high school adolescents. Methods: A cross sectional design complemented with a qualitative inquiry was the method used to collect relevant data among high school students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A multistage sampling procedure was used to randomly select students across the city. The quantitative data were collected using a pre tested self administered questionnaire. Qualitative data were collected by conducting focus group discussions with purposively selected students. The analysis produced the proportion of adolescents who knew at least two symptoms of STI and associated factors. The qualitative information offers contextual understanding of the issues. Results: In total, only 634(17.9%) adolescents had knowledge of at least two symptoms of STIs. The reported knowledge was better among male students [AOR=1.47 (95%CI: 1.13-2.91)] and students who had mothers with formal education [AOR=1.48 (95%CI: 1.09-2.94)] compared to their counterparts. Overall 175(4.9%) of the students reported having symptoms of STIs 12 months prior to the survey, of which 58(33.1%) did not receive treatment. Among those reported treated, 50(42.7%) took self medication. Major barriers for not seeking treatment for STIs were perception of unavailability, unaffordability and inaccessibility of STI services in the existing health institutions. Adolescents prefer obtaining user friendly STIs services in schools. Conclusion: Adolescents are not aware of the symptoms of STI. Proper treatment for STI is not sought by the majority of students that reported STI symptoms. Inclusion of specific information and facts about STI in the school curriculum and providing user friendly STIs services at school can greatly reduce the risk of STIs among school adolescents. © 2012 Cherie A, et al.