[ level of knowledge among Shahid Beheshti University students about genital herpes]

Genital herpes is increasing in Asia and the world. Based on other studies, knowledge has an important role in reducing high risk sexual behavior. In this study we evaluated knowledge among Shahid Beheshti University students as a sample of young and educated population of Iran. This cross-sectional study carried out on 409 of Shahid Beheshti University students in Tehran - Iran at Autumn 2004. Research material was questionnaire and data analyzed by SPSS-13, T-student, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis Tests. Mean +/- SD of level of knowledge, nature and transmission of genital herpes was 26.5 +/- 26%, 23.7 +/- 24.2% and 30.56 +/- 36.8%, respectively. The level of knowledge about signs, treatment and prevention of disease was 18.8%, 16.4% and 46.2%, respectively. There was a significant relation between age, marital status and education with knowledge [P < 0.05]. The level of knowledge among engineering students was higher than humman sciences students [P < 0.05]. Based on our study, most of participants had no enough knowledge about genital herpes. Most of participants were willing to know more about it as they obviously welcomed to our pamphlets. It seems that educations about genital herpes should be added to educational programs