Birth controls (contraceptive) methods and human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted infections risk perception among Namibian university students

Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Associated Factors Among Young Adult Female Students at Higher Learning Institutions in Mbeya, Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…24,25 Students in their early years of study may become victims of "peer pressure" in an attempt to cope with the new environment and be recognised by older peers who may practice risky behaviours predisposing them to STIs. [26][27][28][29][30] Studies that assessed the risk of contracting an STI among University students in SSA noted that the majority of students believed to be at low or no risk of STIs; however, after assessing their sexual behaviour practices, they were found to be at high risk. 27,31 In many LMICs, including Tanzania, diagnosis and management of STIs are based on the syndromic case management (SCM) approach; and few laboratory diagnostics rely on gram stain, wet preparation, microscopy and/or rapid tests depending on availability of such resources.…”

“…[26][27][28][29][30] Studies that assessed the risk of contracting an STI among University students in SSA noted that the majority of students believed to be at low or no risk of STIs; however, after assessing their sexual behaviour practices, they were found to be at high risk. 27,31 In many LMICs, including Tanzania, diagnosis and management of STIs are based on the syndromic case management (SCM) approach; and few laboratory diagnostics rely on gram stain, wet preparation, microscopy and/or rapid tests depending on availability of such resources. 15,32,33 Conventional methods for STI diagnosis have low sensitivity and specificity and, therefore, are highly likely to miss a diagnosis from asymptomatic or symptomatic cases, which might hinder early treatment and management.…”