RESUMO
The incidence of sexually transmitted diseases [STDs] has been significantly increased in recent years worldwide. According to global statistics, only 17% of sexually active adolescents use contraceptive methods and, every day, more than 500,000 people between 19 and 24 contract one type of venereal diseases. Knowing the nature of these diseases and the routes of their transmission can play a major role in preserving health. This descriptive correlational study was conducted to determine the knowledge of MS students of civil engineering in Sharif Industrial University regarding STDs and the correlation between 21 variables under study and their knowledge in 2004. All MS students were selected and a questionnaire in two parts including demographic information and students' knowledge about STDs was used for data collection. 12 4-choice questions were designed to assess knowledge. Scores between 0-17, 17-22 and 22-36 were considered as weak, moderate and good knowledge respectively.
Results showed that 40%, 30% and 30% of students had weak, moderate and good knowledge about venereal diseases respectively. There was a positive correlation between knowledge score and such variables as education and occupation of students' mothers; referrals to health centers, students' age; getting information from Internet, classmates as well as radio and television; taking part in family planning courses and being satisfied with given information. With respect to the above findings and the increasing incidence of STDs in the country, education about contagious diseases and significant health issues in appropriate settings is recommended