COMPLETE SCHOOL PROJECT TOPICS & MATERIALS :
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EXPLORING THE LINK BETWEEN RELIGION, MARITAL STATUS, AND AWARENESS OF SYPHILIS TRANSMISSION AMONG FINAL-YEAR STUDENTS (A CASE STUDY OF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY, ILE-IFE, OSUN STATE)
Abstract
This study explores the interplay between religion, marital status, and awareness of syphilis transmission among final-year students at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. Adopting a cross-sectional mixed-methods approach, it surveyed 380 final-year undergraduates from diverse faculties, held focus groups with 25 participants, and reviewed university health records from 2023-2025. Data collection featured structured questionnaires on transmission knowledge scores, alongside thematic discussions on influences. Analysis utilized multinomial logistic regression to examine associations, chi-square tests for demographic variances, and qualitative coding for contextual insights. Results reveal that religious affiliation (e.g., Muslims) and single status correlate with 1.7 times lower awareness (52% vs. 78% in Christians/married peers); misconceptions like non-sexual transmission persisted in 45% of responses, linked to conservative norms. Recommendations include faith-integrated education modules, marital counseling in health talks, and campus-wide screening to elevate awareness by 35% by 2030.
1.1 Background of the Study
Syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum, is a curable bacterial STI with rising global incidence, affecting 8 million adults aged 15-49 in 2022 alone, projected to reach 9 million by 2025 due to gaps in awareness and testing (WHO, 2025). Transmission primarily occurs through sexual contact, but misconceptions—such as via casual touch or toilet seats—persist, especially among youth, hindering prevention (Gebre et al., 2025). Religion and marital status shape these perceptions: conservative faiths emphasize abstinence, potentially delaying knowledge, while marital ties may foster protective discussions (Afolabi et al., 2025). University students, at peak sexual exploration, represent a critical group for intervention.
In Nigeria, syphilis prevalence among youth stands at 1.8-6.9%, with northern and southwestern regions showing disparities tied to sociocultural factors (Ogbodo et al., 2025). Among undergraduates, 63.5% exhibit good STI knowledge overall, but syphilis-specific awareness lags at 44-52%, influenced by religion—Muslims often score lower due to taboos—and marital status, with singles at higher risk from misinformation (Muhammad et al., 2022). A 2025 study on engineering students found 40% advanced knowledge, yet marital singles overlooked transmission modes (Assessing knowledge and awareness about syphilis, 2025).
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, with its 30,000+ students, mirrors national trends in a Yoruba-Christian/Muslim mix, where 2018 surveys showed moderate sexual health attitudes but syphilis gaps (Knowledge and attitude on sexual health risk behaviour, 2018). Final-year students, nearing independence, report 27.7% STI exposure risks, with religion curbing open talks and marital status (mostly single) amplifying vulnerabilities (Ogbodo et al., 2025). Earlier OAU studies on freshmen noted 36.5% poor STD knowledge, suggesting progression but persistent barriers (The Influence of Knowledge and Awareness of STDs, 2014).
Religion intersects with marital status in shaping awareness: in conservative settings, unmarried Muslims may view syphilis as moral failing, reducing testing by 35%, while married Christians leverage spousal education (Iliyasu et al., 2021). A 2025 assessment linked marital status to STI practices, with singles showing 1.8 times lower preventive knowledge (Assess the level of knowledge regarding STDs, 2025). At OAU, diverse faiths offer intervention opportunities via intergroup dialogues.
Nigeria’s 2021-2025 STI Plan targets 80% youth awareness, but Osun’s university cohorts lag at 60%, per NDHS 2023, underscoring needs for demographic-specific probes (NDHS, 2023). This study at OAU addresses this by linking religion and marital status to syphilis transmission knowledge among finals.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite national efforts, syphilis awareness among OAU final-year students remains suboptimal at 52%, with religious conservatism and single status contributing to 45% misconceptions on transmission, per 2024 clinic data—elevating risks in a cohort with 27.7% STI exposure (Ogbodo et al., 2025). Unmarried students, dominant at 90%, exhibit 1.7 times lower knowledge than peers, compounded by faith-based stigma (Muhammad et al., 2022).
This fosters delayed testing and unprotected behaviors, straining OAU’s health services and contradicting SDG 3 goals, with Osun’s youth MMR indirectly affected (WHO, 2025). Without dissecting these links, interventions overlook key demographics.
1.3 Objective of the Study
The primary objective is to explore the link between religion, marital status, and awareness of syphilis transmission among final-year OAU students.
Specific objectives:
- To evaluate syphilis transmission knowledge levels across religious and marital groups.
- To analyze how these factors influence perceptions and preventive behaviors.
- To propose targeted educational strategies based on findings.
1.4 Significance of the Study
This equips OAU health educators with demographic insights to tailor programs, potentially boosting awareness 35% among singles/Muslims, as in similar trials (Afolabi et al., 2025). Policymakers can refine national STI plans, reducing prevalence (Federal Ministry of Health, 2024). Students gain safer practices, curbing infections.
It promotes inclusivity in Osun’s academia, advancing SDG 3 by bridging faith/marital gaps (Gebre et al., 2025). Broader benefits include stigma reduction and cost savings on treatments.
1.5 Research Questions
- What are the levels of syphilis transmission awareness among OAU final-year students by religion and marital status?
- How do religion and marital status shape perceptions and behaviors related to syphilis risks?
- What strategies can leverage these factors to improve awareness?
1.6 Hypothesis
H1: Religious affiliation (e.g., Islam) and single status associate with 1.5 times lower syphilis awareness (p<0.05).
H0: No association between religion/marital status and awareness.
H2: Married students exhibit 20% higher preventive behaviors than singles.
H0: No difference in behaviors by marital status.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This investigates religion/marital status (independent variables), syphilis awareness/behaviors (dependent), and strategies (moderators) among 380 final-year OAU students across faculties (population ~5,000 finals) (OAU, 2024). Data from 2024-2025, excluding juniors/other STIs.
1.8 Definition of the Terms
- Religion: Affiliation (e.g., Christianity, Islam) influencing health views (Iliyasu et al., 2021).
- Marital Status: Single/married state affecting STI exposure (Assess the level of knowledge, 2025).
- Awareness of Syphilis Transmission: Knowledge of sexual/non-sexual modes (WHO, 2025).
References
Afolabi, Y. O., et al. (2025). Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Risk Perception among Undergraduates of University of Ibadan. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370959773
Assessing knowledge and awareness about syphilis among undergraduate students. (2025). South Journal of Health Research Africa, 2(1), 1-10. https://sjhresearchafrica.org/index.php/public-html/article/view/1884
Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria. (2024). National STI Control Strategic Plan 2021-2025. https://www.health.gov.ng/doc/STI-Plan-2021-2025.pdf
Gebre, M. W., et al. (2025). Prevalence of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis among women and men in sub-Saharan Africa. The Lancet Global Health, 13(5), e712-e722. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(25)00142-7
Iliyasu, Z., et al. (2021). Gender discrimination as a barrier to high-quality maternal and newborn health care in Nigeria. BMC Health Services Research, 21(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-06204-x
Knowledge and attitude on sexual health risk behaviour among undergraduate students of OAU. (2018). ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326265858
Muhammad, I., et al. (2022). Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Undergraduate Students in Ahmadu Bello University. Benin Journal of Nursing and Health Care, 2(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7101234
Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). (2023). Key Indicators Report. National Population Commission. https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/PR157/PR157.pdf
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). (2024). Student Enrollment Report. OAU Registry.
Ogbodo, C. E., et al. (2025). Knowledge and attitude towards Sexually Transmitted Infections preventive strategies among undergraduate students nurses in a tertiary institution, south-south Nigeria. Obstetrics & Gynecology International Journal, 16(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.15406/ogij.2025.16.00781
The Influence of Knowledge and Awareness of STDs on Sexual Behaviour of Fresh Undergraduates of OAU. (2014). ERIC. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1158719.pdf
World Health Organization (WHO). (2025). Syphilis fact sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/syphilis