Unintended pregnancy and sexually transmissible infections amongst adolescents and young adults in Douala IV municipality, Cameroon: Prevalence, knowledge, and associated factors

Abstract

Adolescent pregnancy remains a significant public health challenge especially in sub-Saharan Africa, with a resultant significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and knowledge of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) amongst adolescents and young adults in the Douala IV municipality. A school-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the Douala IV municipality from January to February 2023. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the prevalence, knowledge of unintended pregnancy and STIs from adolescents and young adults from 10 secondary schools. A logistic regression was used to determine factors independently associated to the prevalence and knowledge of unintended pregnancy and STIs. The data was analysed in SPSS version 25. Of the 42 (6%) females that had been pregnant, 30 (76.9%) were unintended. The knowledge of unintended pregnancy was poor (65%). Factors independently associated with good knowledge of unintended pregnancy were the class, age, type of school, and sex. The prevalence of STI among students was 22%. The knowledge of STIs was poor (52%) with 22% reporting a past experience of STIs. Factors independently associated with the prevalence of STIs were language and being sexually active. Good knowledge of STIs was associated with the class, age, school type, and sex. The prevalence of unintended pregnancy among adolescent and young adults was high. The knowledge of adolescents and young adults on unintended pregnancy and STIs was poor. The class, gender, language, school type, and age were factors associated with the prevalence and knowledge of unintended pregnancy and STIs.