Address the burden of STIs among university students

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose a formidable public health challenge globally, and Uganda is no exception. Despite concerted efforts to curb their transmission, STIs continue to afflict a significant portion of the population, especially university students.

One of the key factors contributing to the spread of STIs in this demographic is the practice of having multiple sexual partners.

This article aims to shed light on the burden of STIs in Uganda, with a specific focus on the role of multiple sexual partners among university students in perpetuating the transmission of these infections.

Uganda has grappled with a high prevalence of various STIs, including HIV/Aids, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, among others. The country’s healthcare system faces numerous challenges in effectively addressing these infections.

Limited resources, lack of awareness, stigma, and cultural barriers have hindered progress in controlling STIs’ transmission and impact on public health.

University students are particularly vulnerable to STIs due to various factors. The stage of life marked by sexual exploration and experimentation, coupled with peer pressure, leads many students to engage in risky sexual behaviour.

A lack of comprehensive sexual education further compounds this vulnerability. As students transition to university life, they encounter newfound freedom and independence.

The pressure to fit in and be socially accepted can drive some students towards engaging in multiple sexual partnerships, which may lead to increased exposure to STIs.

While some universities may have sexual health education programmes in place, the quality and reach of these initiatives vary significantly. Consequently, many students may not receive sufficient information about STIs, safe sex practices, and the importance of regular testing.

This lack of knowledge fosters a misconception that STIs are not a significant concern or can be easily treated, creating a false sense of security among the student population.

Another contributing factor to the prevalence of STIs among university students is alcohol and substance use. These substances are commonly present in social gatherings and parties, and under their influence, students may engage in risky sexual behaviours, including unprotected intercourse with multiple partners.

Such behaviours further elevate their susceptibility to STIs and underline the importance of addressing the association between substance use and sexual risk-taking.

Moreover, some university students may face challenges accessing healthcare services, including sexual health clinics. The limited availability and accessibility of these services may discourage students from seeking regular STI testing and treatment, leading to undiagnosed and untreated infections. This, in turn, contributes to the spread of STIs within the university community and beyond.

The asymptomatic nature of certain STIs presents an additional challenge. Infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea can be asymptomatic, meaning infected individuals may not display any noticeable symptoms. This allows the infections to go unnoticed and undiagnosed, making it easy for students to unknowingly spread them to their sexual partners.

Some STIs, such as herpes and syphilis, can create open sores or lesions, increasing the risk of HIV transmission through sexual contact. The presence of untreated STIs significantly enhances the chances of HIV acquisition, contributing to the persistence of the HIV epidemic in Uganda

The consequences of untreated STIs can be severe for both men and women. Infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, leading to infertility. In men, untreated STIs can result in epididymitis, a painful condition that can also affect fertility. Such implications highlight the importance of early detection and treatment of STIs to safeguard individuals’ reproductive health.

Addressing the burden of STIs among university students in Uganda necessitates a multifaceted approach. Comprehensive sexual education that emphasises safe sex practices, regular testing, and awareness of the consequences of STIs is essential. Improving access to healthcare services, including sexual health clinics, is critical to ensure that students can easily seek testing and treatment. Additionally, fostering a supportive and informed environment within educational institutions, backed by collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders, is vital in changing societal norms regarding sexual behaviour.

In conclusion, STIs remain a significant public health concern in Uganda, particularly among university students. The practice of having multiple sexual partners plays a central role in perpetuating the transmission of STIs in this demographic.

It is imperative to implement comprehensive and evidence-based interventions that address the various contributing factors to reduce the burden of STIs among university students. By prioritising sexual education, improving healthcare access, and challenging societal norms, Uganda can make strides towards mitigating STI transmission and improving the sexual health of its university students.

Wejuli Junior Mike, Makerere University School of Public Health