Behavior of student nurses and midwives with regard to sexuality and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases in Cotonou Benin

Nursing and midwife students at the National Medical-Social Institute of Cotonou were interviewed in December 1995 on their attitudes and behavior regarding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). 81 women and 50 men from among the 141 eligible students completed the anonymous questionnaire. The students ages ranged from 20 to 35 years and averaged 24 years for the women and 23 years for the men. 2.5% of the women and 6% of the men had children. The women were 14 years old on average at menarche and 18 years old at first intercourse. The mens age at first intercourse ranged from 12 to 23 years and averaged 17.6 years. 15% of the women and 23% of the men reported having 2 partners while 5.3% of the women and 33% of the men reported having 3 or more. Fewer than 5% of the women and 16% of the men reported having STDs in the preceding 5 years. Half the students of both sexes believed that STDs could be spread by means other than through sexual contact. 86% of the women and 58% of the men reported ever experiencing anxiety about STDs after unprotected relations. 43.5% of the men and 51.5% of the women reported using condoms while 27.5% of the men and 17.5% of the women had never used a condom. 52% of the women and 49% of the men believed condoms to be ineffective. 16% of the men believed that urinating after intercourse is effective in preventing STDs. The data indicate that the students lack information on STD transmission and condom use.