Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Students Towards Sexual Transmitted Infection in Haile Mariam Mamo Preparatory School Debre Birhan, Ethiopia, 2013

Background- Sexually transmitted diseases are a major health problem affecting mostly young people, not only in developing, but also in developed countries. It is an infection that has a significant probability of transmission between humans by means of human sexual behavior, including vaginal intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice on sexual transmitted infection among Haile Mariam Mamo preparatory school students, Debre Birhan, Ethiopia, 2013. Methods –An institutional based cross- sectional study was conducted from January 7 to June 15, 2013 in Debre Birhan preparatory school, Northern Shoa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. A total of 347 students were involved in the study by using stratified random technique. Data were collected through Pre-tested questioner, the collected data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16 statistical package and manual techniques. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: Two hundred ninety (87%) of respondents were in the age group of 15-19 years. Among the total participants regarding information heard sexual transmitted infection transmission and prevention method, fourteen (17.5%) were from rural and two hundred forty six (82.5%) were from urban. The most frequently media which could help the participants information about r Sexual transmission infection were radio/TV (76%) followed by school (43.9%), parent (17.95%) and others (2.2%).Most of the participants 242(77.6%) were considered sexual transmitted infection as a disease. However, 32910.35) and 33(10.6%) of the participants were considered sexual transmitted infection as curse and syndromic respectively. Regarding treatment of sexual transmitted infection, the majority of the respondents (61.8%) were treated at health institute followed by (26.4%) were treated at home. Only(11.8%) of participants were treated by religious based practice including traditional medicine. Conclusion: Even if most of the respondents have knowledge about STIs, till there are misconception and their practice remained quit low. Behavioral change communication and demonstration be done regularly as part of the routine service and through the out reach9 school Visit) program about optional prevention and control of sexual transmission infection practice to all students who came to health institute and outreach services especially preparatory school.