Abstract: The growing rate of risky sexual behaviour among
young adults contributes significantly to the spread of Sexually Transmitted
Infections epidemic in Nigeria. As a result of which this study explores STIs
knowledge and treatment seeking behaviour among University of Ilorin students
aged between 18-25 years. An in-depth interview was conducted among forty
students. The study reveals that young adults have a good knowledge of HIV/AIDS
but few of them have little knowledge of only gonorrhoea. It was noted that the
informants still have a lot of ambiguous information that relates to STIs. They
also perceived risky sexual behaviour is common among their peers. When they
had STIs, most of them prefer to get self-medications from traditional healers
or patronize road side pharmacy. Also, they do not like to go to medical
practitioners because of stigmatization by medical practitioners, lack of
confidentiality, slow service and low cost. It is recommended that a
multi-sectorial effort of young peoples’ families, Non-Governmental
Organisations, traditional medical practitioners, media practitioners and
health professionals towards improving STIs knowledge as well as promoting and
encouraging preventive as well as effective treatment practices must be made
available for this population. The study concludes that there is a need for the
implementation of an all-encompassing integrated multi-sectoral
approach which will utilise all the various stakeholders in providing a
comprehensive abstinence sexuality education for young adults.
Keywords: Knowledge, treatment, STIs, campaign, young adults