Risky Sexual Behaviors and Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis Antibodies among Students in a Tertiary Institution

Abstract

Chlamydia infection is a common sexually transmitted infection in humans caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. This infection occurs frequently in sexually active adolescent and young adults. This study determined the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies among students involved in risky sexual behavior in a tertiary institution. A total of 92 students consisting of 46 males and 46 females between ages 16 and 25 years who were involved in risky sexual behaviors were investigated. Gamma immunoglobulin (IgG) and Mu immunoglobulin (IgM) antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis were assayed in the serum of the students using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Of the total students, 71.9% had multiple sex partners while 28.3% had single sex partners. The overall prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis IgG and IgM antibodies were 56.5% and 40.2% respectively. Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis IgG and IgM, though more in ages 16-20, was not statistically significant (p>0.05) over higher ages. No significant difference was recorded in the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies among gender. A very significant difference (p<0.05) was recorded among students involved in multiple sex partnership in relation to those having single sex partners. Risk of Chlamydia trachomatis was high among sexually active students, especially among students involved in multiple sex partnership behavior. In view of the subtle nature of Chlamydia trachomatis infection and the long term deleterious effects it may produce, it is pertinent to campaign against risky sexual activities, especially among students in higher institutions, to reduce the rate of infection and safeguard their future.

Keywords

• risky sexual behavior
• chlamydia trachomatis
• antibodies
• tertiary institution