Assessment of Students’ Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Implications for Health Counselling in Owerri North, Imo State

Adequate knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents is a prerequisite for informed sexual health decision-making and effective prevention behaviour. This study assessed the level of knowledge of sexually transmitted infections among senior secondary school students in Owerri North Local Government Area, Imo State, South East Nigeria, and identified implications for health counselling. A descriptive survey design was adopted with 300 students from eight schools participating. A validated STI Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire was administered. Descriptive statistics, means, and independent samples t-tests were used for analysis. Findings revealed that while most students demonstrated general awareness of STIs such as HIV and gonorrhoea, knowledge was markedly deficient regarding transmission routes for less-publicised infections such as HPV and chlamydia. Misconceptions about casual transmission were widespread, and fewer than 40 percent of students could correctly identify preventive measures beyond condom use. Female students demonstrated marginally higher knowledge levels than males. Access to health counselling at school was reported by only 35 percent of respondents. The study concluded that health counselling in Owerri North secondary schools must be reinforced with comprehensive, evidence-based sexual health education. Recommendations included the training of counsellors in sexual and reproductive health counselling and the adoption of youth-friendly health education materials. Keywords: sexually transmitted infections, STI knowledge, health counselling, secondary school, Imo State.