What do Adolescents Really Know About Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

Abstract

Background Adolescents are at high risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Three million adolescents contract an STD each year accounting for 25% of all new STD cases annually. The highest rate of gonorrhea and chlamydia infections occurs in the adolescent population and sexually active adolescent girls have an HPV prevalence rate of 50%. This study was designed to assess the general knowledge of STDs among the adolescent population. Methods An anonymous questionnaire of 56 true or false questions was administered evaluating adolescent knowledge of STDs. An additional section included demographic characteristics of the respondents. Questions concerning the recognition, risks, symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, treatment, confidentiality and cure were asked. Results One hundred sixty-nine questionnaires were returned representing students ages 13 through 19. Ninety-one percent described were Caucasian with an equal number of males and females. The majority (88%) had received education in school about STDs. Despite this the overall percent of correct answers was only 65.9%. Students scored best in questions regarding the risk of transmission of HIV with a greater than 90% correct response rate. Student misconceptions of STDs were wide ranging, including factors associated with cervical cancer, the belief in nonsexual transmission of STDs and curability of genital warts. Sixty-five to 88% responses were correct for the most common signs and symptoms of STDs as well as sequelae. While 88% of students were aware that latex condoms could prevent transmission of STDs, up to 42% believed that tubal sterilizaton procedures and depo-provera to do the same. Fifty-three percent of the students falsely believed that the pap smear is a screening test for STDs. Conciusions Even though adolescents undergo formal education during the high school years, the overall factual knowledge of STDs is disturbing. Without this knowledge, the risk of STD transmission in adolescents and its longterm sequelae is increased. Adolescents are at high risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Three million adolescents contract an STD each year accounting for 25% of all new STD cases annually. The highest rate of gonorrhea and chlamydia infections occurs in the adolescent population and sexually active adolescent girls have an HPV prevalence rate of 50%. This study was designed to assess the general knowledge of STDs among the adolescent population. An anonymous questionnaire of 56 true or false questions was administered evaluating adolescent knowledge of STDs. An additional section included demographic characteristics of the respondents. Questions concerning the recognition, risks, symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, treatment, confidentiality and cure were asked. One hundred sixty-nine questionnaires were returned representing students ages 13 through 19. Ninety-one percent described were Caucasian with an equal number of males and females. The majority (88%) had received education in school about STDs. Despite this the overall percent of correct answers was only 65.9%. Students scored best in questions regarding the risk of transmission of HIV with a greater than 90% correct response rate. Student misconceptions of STDs were wide ranging, including factors associated with cervical cancer, the belief in nonsexual transmission of STDs and curability of genital warts. Sixty-five to 88% responses were correct for the most common signs and symptoms of STDs as well as sequelae. While 88% of students were aware that latex condoms could prevent transmission of STDs, up to 42% believed that tubal sterilizaton procedures and depo-provera to do the same. Fifty-three percent of the students falsely believed that the pap smear is a screening test for STDs. Even though adolescents undergo formal education during the high school years, the overall factual knowledge of STDs is disturbing. Without this knowledge, the risk of STD transmission in adolescents and its longterm sequelae is increased.