Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Nigerian Young Adults in University of Lagos: A Plan for Intervention (Real Talk Project)

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2005 estimates, there are 448 million new cases of curable sexually transmitted diseases (STD) yearly in youths aged 15-49 years worldwide. This excludes other incurable STDs and HIV. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country with the third highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) comprising mostly youths. Multiple factors contribute to the high rate of STDs and HIV in the country and a there is a need for public health intervention that will promote prevention of STDs among Nigerian young adults.\ud An intervention program was designed based on a previous review of the literature to assess the present situation of sexually transmitted infections of young adults. The program applies lessons learned in intervention of sexual health of University of Lagos young adults. The design was based on the adaptation of the CDC’s Health Communicator’s Social Media ToolKit and National AIDS Minority council program plan. \ud Literature showed a high level of awareness of (about 92.7%) among young adults which was acquired mostly through the media. Young adults in rural settlements had higher misconceptions about disease transmission compared to their urban counterparts. Most health intervention programs have focused on HIV neglecting of education on other STDs proven to be strong indicators for HIV transmission. Low perception of personal risk for acquisition of HIV was associated with low condom use. Social norms and religious beliefs hinder proper sexuality education. Women are still victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence reducing their likelihood of making better choices for safe sexual practices. Increasingly high rate of unemployment and social hardship puts young adults promotes trading sex for money or incentives among young adults to meet their basic needs.\ud To effect a change in the sexual health on young adults, this intervention plan focuses on: increasing awareness of other STDs; use of social media to link individuals to youth friendly sexual health service provider; and use to reduce social stigma associated with sexual issues and STDs.\u