A COMPARATIVE STUDY REGARDING AWARENESS OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STD) AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN SELECTED AREAS OF UP & UTTARAKHAND

Mansha Mani Tripathi 1 and Prof. Arun Bahuguna 2 . 1. Research Scholar, Extension Education, HNB Garhwal Central University, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand. 2. Professor, DACEE, HNB Garhwal Central University, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand. ...................................................................................................................... Manuscript Info Abstract ......................... ........................................................................ Manuscript History

This study was conducted to investigate the adolescents' awareness of sexually transmitted diseases, including their level of knowledge regarding the mode of transmission and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. The study was performed using a self structured questionnaire which was distributed to the selected sample size eliciting information about the knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases. 100 adolescents (50 from Srinagar city (urban) and 50 from countryside area of district Gorakhpur) were randomly selected amongst urban and rural adolescent girls aged 12-18. The study revealed that the adolescent girls of rural area of district Gorakhpur (UP) lacked awareness of sexually transmitted diseases, and they have incorrect perceptions about the statements asked.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….... Introduction:-
The stage of life during which individuals reach sexual maturity is known as adolescence. It is the period of transition from childhood to adulthood. Although the change is biological, the duration and nature of adolescence are primarily a social construct and thus vary from culture to culture. World Health Organization (WHO) identifies the age range 10-19 years as the period of adolescence, while the term "youth" denotes the age group 15-24. At present time, awareness towards health is necessary to improve the standard of life and maintain quality of life. Over-growth of population would affect the health dimension so it is necessary to increase the level of information towards health care; especially women need to pay more attention to it. Girls in the family need to be aware of their health so that sexually transmitted diseases can be prevented. Adolescence is a transition period between childhood and adulthood characterized by an intense period of growth and development that includes outstanding anatomical, physiologic, psychological and social transformations.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infectious diseases transmitted through sexual contact. 50% of new STDs happen in people basically in girls in the age of 15-24 years. Adolescents age 15-24 account for nearly half of the 20 million new cases of STDs each year. Today, 2 in 5 sexually active teen girls have had an STD that cause infertility and even death. Adolescent girls receive limited sexual education. So the result is that 19 million STD are acquired in United States each year, mainly in the 14-29 year old age group.
There are many sexually transmitted diseases (STD) which can infect adolescents (see table 1) -Adolescent girls suffer more frequent and severe symptoms from STDs.

ISSN: 2320-5407
Int. J. Adv. Res. 4(12), 732-736 733 -Some STDs can spread into the uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes. This can lead to both infertility and ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. -Some strains of HPV infection in girls may also be associated with cervical cancer.
-STDs can be pushed from a mother to her baby before or during birth. Some infections of the newborn may be successfully treated.

Result and Discussion:-
The study the knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) among Adolescent girls of rural and urban areas is tabulated below: 100 According to statement number 3, 'How sexually transmitted diseases affect HIV', it is clearly observed that adolescent girls of urban area were more aware (70%) than that of rural area (40%). 10 100 In the above statement data revealed that 60% rural girls of Gorakhpur district were aware about the statement, 'consult to the doctor in more bleeding during menstruation' while this percentage in urban girls of Srinagar city is more which is 90% which clearly shows their awareness level. 100 By analyzing the data given in table 1.11, it is observed that urban girls of Srinagar city were more aware regarding the statement 'risk of incomplete treatment of STD' which is 70% while this percentage is rural girls of Gorakhpur district is low (40%). In the above statement data revealed that only 44% rural girls of Gorakhpur district were aware regarding the statement, 'Whether discuss to their mother having suffering from sexually transmitted disease' while the awareness level among urban girls of Srinagar city in this regard is 60% which clearly shows their high awareness level.  1.14 shows that the awareness of adolescent girls of Srinagar city is more (70%) than the rural girls of Gorakhpur which is 50%. 100 According to statement number 15 'symptoms of impetus behaviour' the awareness of rural adolescent girls of Gorakhpur is 40% while the awareness in the adolescent girls of Srinagar city which is 70%.