Abstract
BACKGROUND: Trichomoniasis is a non-viral neglected sexually transmitted disease of public health importance. Undergraduate students, often experiencing newfound freedom from family oversight, may engage in risky sexual behaviors, predisposing them to trichomoniasis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards trichomoniasis and associated factors among the Central University students in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. METHODS: An institutional cross-sectional study was conducted between March and July 2024, involving 387 undergraduate students from Central University who were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured researcher-led interview with respondents in the Schools of Nursing and Midwifery, Pharmacy, and Medical Sciences. The study used bivariate and multivariable logistic regression (STATA MP Version 16) to identify factors linked to trichomoniasis, calculating odds ratios (95% confidence intervals [CI]) to measure associations. Multivariable analysis considered variables with a p value <0.05 to be statistically significant factors associated with knowledge and attitudes regarding Trichomonas vaginalis infection. RESULTS: The study included 387 participants (81.40% female, 18.60% male; mean age 20). About 171 (44.19%), 150 (38.76%), and 66 (17.05%) were pharmacy, nursing, and physician assistantship studies students, respectively. Significant associations with T. vaginalis infection were observed for gender (p = 0.0169), age (p < 0.0001), attitude (p < 0.0001), and knowledge (68.0% good knowledge; 82.89% good attitude). Females exhibited twice the likelihood of higher knowledge (aOR = 2.022, 95%CI = 1.128-2.912, p = 0.012) compared to males. CONCLUSION: The study revealed a good level of knowledge, positive attitudes, and effective preventive practices regarding trichomoniasis among the students. Gender, age, program of study, knowledge, and attitudes were significantly associated with self-reported risk behaviors. The study recommends targeted reproductive health education, particularly on trichomoniasis and STIs, to enhance safer sexual behaviors among tertiary students.