TITLE:
Prevalance and Associated Risk Factors of Sexual Transmited Infections among Sexually Active Youths Aged 15 - 45 Years Attending the EHFA Foundation Teaching Medical Centre, Foumbot
AUTHORS:
Lukong Hubert Shalanyuy, Immaculate Munjoh Achonge, Ntogwiachu Daniel Kobuh, Leonard Nyuyseni Randze, Kewir Donald Vernyuy, Neba Driscoll Ambe-Afanwi
KEYWORDS:
Prevalence, Associated Risk Factors, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Sexually Active Youths Aged 15 - 45 Years, EHFA Foundation Teaching Medical Centre, Foumbot
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.12 No.10,
October
16,
2025
ABSTRACT: Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are among the most common acute conditions in the world. There are over 30 infections that can be transmitted sexually. Sexually transmitted infections (STI) remain a pressing public health challenge globally, with young people aged 15 - 24 disproportionately affected. In Cameroon, the prevalence of STI among sexually active youths aged 15 - 45 years is alarmingly high, contributing to increased morbidity, reduced academic performance, and long-term reproductive health complications. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of sexually transmitted infections among sexually active youths aged 15 - 45 years attending the EHFA Foundation Teaching Medical centre, Foumbot. A community based cross sectional study was used in collecting data from consented patients, who were sampled through convenience sampling. Data collection was done using a well-structured questionnaire and ethical consideration was well observed. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21 and statistical significance was considered if p value was less than or equal to 0.05. The study involved 117 participants, mostly females (57.3%) with a mean age of 27.6 ± 6.2 years; the majority were married (57.3%) and had attained secondary education (70.9%). The prevalence of STI was 41%, with syphilis being the most common (17.1%), followed by chlamydia (12%). There was a significant association between STI status and sex (p = 0.03) and marital status (p = 0.01), with females and married individuals being more affected. Most participants had very good knowledge of STI (98.3%), and the most recognized transmission route was unprotected sex, with significant differences by sex (p = 0.05) and occupation (p = 0.05). Although only 7.7% always used condoms, having multiple sexual partners was not significantly associated with STI prevalence (p = 0.15). A prior history of STI diagnosis showed a strong association with current STI positivity (p = 0.02), suggesting a risk of recurrence among previously infected individuals. It can therefore be recommended that targeted interventions focus on consistent condom use and routine STI screening, especially for individuals with prior infections.