Socio-demographic characteristics and sexual behaviour of adolescents attending the STC, UCH, Ibadan: a 5 year review.
As a continuation of the on-going efforts to prevent and control the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in adolescents, this retrospective clinic-based study identifies the socio- demographic characteristics, describes the sexual practices, identifies the common STDs, including drug utilization patterns in this risk group at the special treatment clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Results reveal that adolescents constituted between 3.3% and 4.8% of the total number of patients seen each year. The characteristics of the subjects were as follows: 54 (38.3%) were aged 19 years, 133 (94.3%) were single, 79 (53.2%) were females and 103 (73.0%) were students. As regards sexual behaviour, 22 (15.71%) denied previous history of sexual intercourse. Vaginal intercourse was reported in all the sexually active youth, 2(1.71%) reported oral sex, while 10 (8.41%) admitted that they had multiple sexual partners. Gonorrhoea was diagnosed in 23 (21.51%) of sexually active youths. Among those who had used drugs before presentation ampicillin was the common drug used for treatment by 14 (26.4%). The importance of encouraging adolescents to present at STD clinics is highlighted. Health workers need to have a sympathetic attitude and assure them of confidentiality. The need for more community-based education is shown, including the importance of proper and complete documentation of hospital records.
Fawole
O I
OI
Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Ajayi
I O
IO
Babalola
T D
TD
Oni
A A
AA
Asuzu
M C
MC
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D017677:Age Distribution; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria; D009790:Occupations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology