Opinion Leaders’ Characteristics and Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Youth in Institutions of Higher Learning in Machakos County, Kenya

Purpose: While modern medicine is a relief to health worldwide, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) have continued to ravage the world population, and especially the youth. This paper is based on a study that sought to determine the role of opinion leaders’ characteristics in the prevention of STIs among youth in institutions of higher learning in Machakos County Kenya. The study was informed by the realization that despite the many preventive initiatives by the relevant stakeholders, the numbers of reported cases of STIs among students in institutions of higher learning continue to rise. The main objective of the study was therefore to investigate the role of opinion leaders and their characteristics and their influence in the prevention of STIs among students. Methodology: The study was done using the mixed methods approach. The study collected data from 385 respondents for quantitative data among undergraduate students in three institutions of higher learning in Machakos County, while qualitative data was obtained through 26 in-depth interviews with key informants from the institutions. Findings: The study revealed that opinion leaders’ characteristics have an influence on response to prevention of STIs among youth. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended that opinion leaders utilize their characteristics and amplify their efforts in helping the young people learn about sexual health and STI prevention.