Sexually transmitted diseases: knowledge and perceived prevalence of symptoms in university students.
Article
in English
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-152620
ABSTRACT
Background:
Research addressing knowledge on sexual health, particularly of STDs risk and perceived symptoms’ prevalence, among university students around the world, and particularly in Portugal, is scarce.Aims:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of knowledge about the perceived prevalence of STD’s and their occurrence in Portuguese university students. StudyDesign:
An internet based cross sectional and retrospective study was conducted.Methodology:
A total 1018 students participated (68.57% women), with a mean age of 23.57 years (SD=5.82). The instruments used were a Sociodemographic Questionnaire, the "Sexually Transmitted Disease Knowledge Questionnaire" and "Sexual Risk Behaviours Questionnaire" (male and female versions), which were disseminated on the Internet, on a page specifically created for this research, after pretest was done and the necessary changes implemented.Results:
The results indicated that students have inadequate knowledge about the STD's, the lifelong perceived prevalence of a STD was 9.9%, and the actual perceived prevalence of symptoms associated with a STD was 16.8%. Finally, a linear regression was performed, highlighting a significant effect between the degree of knowledge about STD’s and the occurrence of a STD or symptoms, which indicates that the symptoms depend on the knowledge.Conclusion:
These results reinforce the need for investment in prevention programs, in order to increase the information and reduce infection by STDs in college students.
Full text:
Available
Index:
IMSEAR (South-East Asia)
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Observational study
/
Prevalence study
/
Risk factors
Language:
English
Year:
2014
Type:
Article
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