Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sexual habits, and behavior among students of medical and nonmedical students in Serbia.Methodology: The cross-sectional study of 1,273 university students of four undergraduate institutions in Serbia, two of medical and two of nonmedical orientation. A standardized questionnaire, prepared in line with the questionnaire of the European health research—the second wave (European Health Interview Survey—EHIS wave 2), according to defined internationally accepted indicators, was used as a survey instrument.Results: Statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between medical and nonmedical student groups was determined for the following parameters: naming four of five STIs (29.1 vs. 13.4%), knowledge about vaccines against some STIs (26.0 vs. 17.0%), relationship between HPV infection and cervical malignancy (48.2 vs. 16.7%) engaged in the sexual relations (87.9 vs. 76.4%), never used a condom (15.2 vs. 10.4%), underwent gynecological or urological examination (66.7 vs. 44.1%), and tested to one of STIs (10.5 vs. 4.9%).Conclusion: Both student groups have limited knowledge on possible consequences that risky sexual behavior has for reproductive health. Promotion of knowledge about STIs, awareness of all complications, and consequences of these infections certainly affect the reduction of risky behavior.
Highlights
The term sexually transmitted infections (STIs) include a range of clinical syndromes caused by various types of pathogens that may be transmitted through sexual activity
When students were divided into two age groups, it could be observed that students in the age range of 21– 30 years dominated in both analyzed groups, whereas there were significantly few students in other groups
46.2% of the medical students were in a relationship, whereas 49.0% of the nonmedical students were single (Table 1)
Summary
The term sexually transmitted infections (STIs) include a range of clinical syndromes caused by various types of pathogens that may be transmitted through sexual activity. STIs represent significant public health issues that may lead to acute diseases, long-term health complications, infertility, and premature death [1]. Young people are mostly at risk from STIs, they represent only 25% of the sexually active population. According to the latest data, young people aged 15–24 years represent almost 50% of all newly acquired STIs worldwide [3,4,5]. It is the period characterized by self-identity research, followed by young people’s reaching for autonomy, and engaging in sexual activity [6]
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