Abstract
BackgroundSexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections commonly spread through sexual contact and transmitted by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. In today’s world, STI-related information-seeking behavior is often vital for the advancement of knowledge, behavioral changes, health decisions, and the sharing of sexual health information among youths. However, paucity of evidence on information-seeking behavior among students in higher education institutions. This study aimed to assess STI-related information-seeking behavior and its associated factors among students at the University of Gondar.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among students at the University of Gondar from January 15 to February 15, 2021. A total of 832 participants were selected using a stratified two-stage sampling method. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the required data. STI information-seeking behavior questionnaire was adapted from health information national survey tool (HINTS). Descriptive statistics, bi-variable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied using SPSS version 26.ResultThe proportion of STI related information-seeking among university students was 462 (55.5%) with 95% CI (52.3, 58.9). About 263 (56.9%) of students preferred internet as a primary source for STI related information. Year of study being 4th (AOR = 4.77, 95% CI = 2.75, 8.29) and 5th year (AOR = 5.45, 95% CI = 2.48, 12.01), field of study being health (AOR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.16, 4.11), sexual experiences (AOR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.56, 3.48), ever had STI symptoms (AOR = 4.19, 95% CI = 2.14, 8.18), perceived susceptibility (AOR = 5.05, 95% CI = 3.29, 7.75), and perceived severity (AOR = 2.16,95% CI = 1.45, 3.22) were significant factors for good STI information-seeking.Conclusionthe proportion of STI information-seeking among university students was low. Students' STI information-seeking behavior could be improved by increasing digital literacy and enhancing computer and internet access across the campus.
Highlights
Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections commonly spread through sexual contact and transmitted by bacteria, viruses, or parasites
The findings of this study indicated that students whose year of study was fourth and fifth years were 4.7 times (AOR = 4.77, 95% CI = 2.75, 8.29) and 5 times (AOR = 5.45, 95% CI = 2.48, 12.01) were more likely to seek sexually transmitted infections (STIs) information when compared to second-year students respectively
Findings in this study indicated that 55.5% (CI = 52.3, 58.9) of the university students were sought STI information from different information sources in the past 12 months, which is consistent with a study conducted in Malaysia (57.1%) [25]
Summary
Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections commonly spread through sexual contact and transmitted by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Universal access to information is a requirement for achieving Health for All [7], lack of access to health information remains a major barrier to knowledge-based health care in developing countries. This works for the majority of Ethiopian students who do not have access to credible, relevant, and useable information about STIs. In Ethiopia, STIs have been reported as a problem among university students [8].
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