Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preventive Practices for Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Undergraduate Students at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a significant public health concern among young adults, yet awareness does not consistently translate into preventive behaviour. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices (KAP) regarding STIs, and the predictors of preventive practice, among undergraduate students at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Nigeria, using the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 381 undergraduates selected through multistage probability sampling. Data were collected with a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analysed in IBM SPSS Statistics using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multiple linear regression. The response rate was 95.3%. Respondents were predominantly male (54.3%), single (92.9%), and sexually active (61.4%). Although 91.1% had heard of STIs, only 42.8% had received formal instruction, and only 21.8% demonstrated good overall knowledge (mean score 6.41 ± 1.37). Attitudes were mostly neutral (67.2%; mean 2.98 ± 0.49). Preventive practices were suboptimal: 22.6% always used condoms, 52.0% had ever tested for STIs, and 35.2% had been vaccinated, with 50.4% showing adequate overall practice. No sociodemographic factor, knowledge level, or attitude was significantly associated with preventive practice (all p > 0.05). In multiple regression, knowledge score was the only significant independent predictor (B = 0.08, β = 0.13, p = 0.016), explaining 2.8% of the variance. A persistent gap exists between STI awareness, attitudes, and day-to-day preventive practice, shaped by sociocultural norms, stigma, and limited youth-friendly services. Interventions should move beyond information delivery to combine culturally tailored education, peer programmes, stigma reduction, and accessible confidential services