Modelling social risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases among female youths in Nigeria

Ayo S. Adebowale, University of Ibadan
Musibau Titiloye, University of Ibadan
Joshua O. Akinyemi, University of Ibadan

The study which utilized NDHS, 2008 data focused on female youths aged 15-24 (n=8093) who ever had sexual intercourse with man. The outcome variable is contacting STDs in the last 12 months before the survey. The logistic regression was used to model the data. Data analyses revealed that the mean age of the respondents was 20.2±2.5. Female youths who were aged 20-24(2.5%) contacted STD more than those aged 15-19(1.4%) years. The prevalence of STD among female youths in Nigeria was 2.1%. Socio-demographic factors such as age, educational status, wealth index, marital status, toilet shared, place of residence, contraceptive use and total life-time number of sexual partners were found to be significantly associated with STDs acquisition (P<0.05). The data confirmed wealth index and contraceptive use as important predictors of STDs acquisition. Abstinence, constant condom use and having one uninfected sexual partner can help reduce the risk of STDs transmission.