Transmission and spread of STIs and RTIs among Youths’ in Higher Learning Institutions and Neighbors Villages in Mbeya City, Tanzania

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are diseases often spread from person to person through sexual contact. The infections cause sexually transmitted diseases and Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs). It has been well established that risk sexual behaviors among youths significantly influences their reproductive and general health. This study therefore investigated on the spread and transmission of sexual transmitted and reproductive tract infections to three Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) and Neighbor Village Youths (NVYs) in Mbeya district Tanzania. The study aimed at identifying the social interaction, sexual behaviors, knowledge on impact of sexual transmitted infections, influence of physical environment and future plan of HLIs and NVYs. The study was guided by two theories, social learning theory in particular ‘Social Psychology Theory’ and the ‘Theory of Possible Selves’. The study included 210 HLIs and 100 NVYs all aged between 18-30 years. Youths were randomly sampled from their areas. Data collection methods included survey questionnaires, focus group discussion and documentary review. The study employed a random sampling procedure. A cross-sectional research design was adopted. Thematic and descriptive statistical analysis were employed. The results were as follows: Social interaction among youths of both sides, higher learning institutions and neighbor villages has negative impact since it creates vulnerability to STIs/RTIs/HIV infections. Youths were found engaging much in risk social behaviors which in turn lead them to reproductive complications such as abortions, PID, unplanned pregnancies, single parent childcare, academic dropout, poor academic achievement and the whole issue of personal and public underdevelopment socially, healthily and mentally. Results shows that youths lack clear knowledge about STIs and RTIs but were familiar with HIV/AIDS however, they were fearing of getting pregnancies rather than infections. Village youths’ future plans were about getting money and become rich person while higher learning institutions youths planned to get employment after graduating, to get nice houses and becoming somebody. In general risky sexual behaviors such as love affairs, unprotected sexes, multiple partners, luxurious lives, lack of knowledge, poverty, homeless, poor socio-economic status, low income, inherited western cultures and poor use of mobile networking among youths found as key contributors of spread and transmission of STIs/RTIs and HIV/AIDS in Mbeya district. The study recommend for collaborative effort between varied stakeholders in educating and giving supportive services to youths to improve their health and wellbeing.