Healthcare Issues

Research Article

Health Education's Role in Preventing STDs among Students at Rivers State University

  • By Udo Orukwowu, Aleruchi Lenchi Oji, Jane Baridah Kue, Mercy Mgbere, Mercy Kelechi Azumah - 29 Feb 2024
  • Healthcare Issues, Volume: 3, Issue: 1, Pages: 17 - 34
  • https://doi.org/10.58614/hi313
  • Received: November 20, 2023; Accepted: February 15, 2024; Published: February 29, 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the role of health education in preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among students at Rivers State University in Nigeria. Adopting a survey research design, data was collected from 100 lecturers using structured questionnaires and supplemented with information from textbooks, journals, and scholarly materials. The demographic analysis reveals a predominantly male respondent population with varying educational backgrounds and marital statuses. The psychographic data analysis gauges respondents' perceptions of health education, revealing varying levels of agreement on topics such as the correlation between health education and STD prevention, the impact of health education, and the promotion of safe practices. The study employs statistical methods, including Taro Yamane's formula for sample size determination and chi-square tests for hypothesis testing. Findings indicate a significant positive impact of health education in reducing STDs among students. The abstract concludes by summarizing the study's key contributions, highlighting the need for enhanced health education programs, qualified health education teachers, and increased awareness on STDs among students. Overall, this research underscores the crucial role of health education as a paradigm for mitigating the prevalence of STDs in the university setting.