Factors associated with sexually transmitted infections among youths in Umguza district, 2014

Annually, the World reports five hundred million sexually transmitted infections (WHO 2010). Sexually transmitted infections if not treated early have serious consequences to the youth. These effects range from those which are irreversible such as contracting of HIV to those that have huge negative effects in the long run like infertility and genital ulcers. The study sought to investigate factors associated with Sexually Transmitted Infections among youths in Umguza district. Methods: An analytical cross sectional study was done in Ward 1 and Ward 8 of Umguza district. The social ecological model and health belief models were used to come up with the conceptual framework used in the study. Data were collected from 173 participants using self-administered questionnaires in both English and Ndebele. Results: Females who received gifts or money for sex were more likely to report a sexually transmitted infection (STI) episode (POR: 5.91, 95% CI 1.7-20). Youths who frequented night clubs were more likely to report having had an STI episode (POR: 3.26, 95% CI: 1.6-6.79). Youths who had multiple concurrent sexual partners were likely to report having had an STI (POR: 2.30, 95% CI :( 1.05- 5.08).Those below the age of twenty were unlikely to report an STI episode (POR: 0.1297, CI: 0.06-0.273). Conclusions: Indulging in transactional sex, dropping out of school, being female and watching pornography were found to be associated with contracting sexually transmitted infections among youths in Umguza District. Therefore as preventive measures, youths should stay in school (spend more years in school) and should not watch pornography