Neisseria <i>gonorrhoea</i> and associated risk factors among the residents of Kwali Area Council, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria.

Sexually transmitted infections pose significant Public Health concern in Nigeria, impacting individuals and communities across the nation and Neisseria gonorrhoea, commonly known as gonorrhoea remains a prevalent yet often silent sexually transmitted infection that has threatened the populace all over the world including Nigeria due its asymptomatic nature in many cases. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoea and associated risk factors among the residents of Kwali Area Council, FCT, Abuja. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was adopted. A total of 422 participants were recruited from residents of Kwali Area Council, socio-demographic characteristics of the participants and potential risk factors were collected using self-interview structured administered questionnaire. Urethral, endocervical and vaginal smears were collected using sterile swab sticks for culture of Neisseria gonorrhoea. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. The result showed that out of 422 participants screened, 34(8.1%) of them were infected with gonorrhoea. Females were the most infected with 19(8.4%) and males had 7.6% of the infection. Participants in the 15-25year age-group got the highest infection with 10.4% infection rate. Gender (p=0.010), marital status (p=0.013), educational status (p=0.000), unprotected sexual intercourse (p=0.009), multiple sex partners (p=0.005) were found to be associated risk factors of gonorrhoea infection in the area . Comprehensive approach that will include behaviour modification and increased public health awareness is required to manage this public health challenge. Therefore, implementing targeted educational programs that will reduce risky sexual behaviours among all the age-groups in Kwali Area Council is advocated.