STIs and Sexual Behavior among the Older Persons in Nigeria

Elias O. Wahab, Lagos State University

Although, sexual activity decline with age yet STIs level & sexual contact represent a significant blind spot, as extra-marital sex cut across all ages. 5 LGAs were randomly selected namely: Ikorodu, Epe, Shagamu, Ijebu ode & Ijebu north and with quantitative methodology. The survey research adopted a multi stage sampling procedure to select the LGAs, EAs, households & 810 respondents above 50 years. Data analysis involves descriptive & logistic regression. The KAP of STIs is higher among women (65%) than men (35%). Women (58%) than men (42%) contract STIs due to the polygynous settings, most STIs contracted prior to old-age(75%), more men(78%) than women had multiple sexual partners; had sex in the last 1 year & worried less about STIs(82%). There is need to include 50years & above in research on sexual behavior, such may be determinant of infection intervention successes. Key words: STIs; Sexual behavior; older persons; Infections; Nigeria