Awareness Of Sexually Transmitted Infections Research Articles

A Participatory Approach to Identifying Gaps in and Recommendations for Sexually Transmitted Infection and Preexposure Prophylaxis Clinical Services in Pierce County, Washington.

Pierce County, Washington, has a high burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) relative to Washington State and the United States. We used a participatory approach to identify gaps in STI and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) service provision in Pierce County and generate recommendations to address these gaps. In collaboration with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD), we conducted 14 key informant interviews with local STI/PrEP providers from varied clinical settings. Using rapid qualitative analysis, we identified key gaps and strengths in service provision. Local, state, and national HIV/STI subject matter experts (SMEs) prioritized the gaps and recommendations to address them via an online survey. The primary 6 gaps ranked by SMEs (N = 32) in order of importance included the following: (1) inadequate availability of STI and PrEP services, (2) lack of awareness of STI and PrEP services, (3) need for free/low cost STI and PrEP care, (4) need for stronger relationships among providers and TPCHD, (5) reduced accessibility related to geographically distributed population and centralized services, and (6) frequent referrals pose a service barrier. Subject matter experts prioritized recommendations for each gap as follows: (1) create an STI specialty clinic, (2) implement an STI/PrEP service availability outreach campaign, (3) strengthen referral relationships between TPCHD and free/low-cost providers, (4) develop a provider support network, (5) create a mobile STI clinic, and (6) develop an STI specialty clinic. Sexually transmitted infection specialty clinics were prioritized by SMEs to improve access to STI and PrEP care in Pierce County, and to serve as a resource for local providers.

Assessment of public opinion on the use of herbal medicine for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in accra

The use of herbal medicine for treating sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is increasing, especially in developing countries like Ghana. However, little is known about public knowledge and attitudes towards using herbs for STIs. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess awareness of STIs and confidence in herbal medicines for treating STIs among the public in Accra, Ghana. Questionnaires were administered to 383 randomly selected respondents aged 15–49 years. Most respondents first learned about STIs in school and had good knowledge about the causes (bacteria, viruses, etc.), modes of transmission (sexual contact, mother-to-child), and body parts affected (sex organs) by STIs. However, under half of respondents had used herbs to treat STIs in the past 12 months, with over half unable to recall which specific herbs they had taken. Herbal medicine was commonly recommended by friends and family rather than healthcare professionals. Despite limited endorsement from medical practitioners, respondents expressed high confidence in herbal medicine, agreeing that herbs are effective for treating STIs and have the advantage of being low cost. Of respondents who had used herbs for STIs, two-fifths reported being cured, although a small proportion noted long treatment times, persistence of symptoms after treatment, or side effects. Statistical analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between confidence in herbal medicine and its use, but no association between knowledge of STIs and use of herbs for treatment. In summary, while respondents were knowledgeable about STIs, this knowledge did not translate into greater use of herbal medicine. However, user confidence in the effectiveness, safety, affordability, and convenience of herbs for treating STIs was high. More nationwide research is warranted to further understand public attitudes and behaviors towards herbal medicines for STIs in order to inform healthcare policies and educational strategies.

Australian Sexual Health Service Users’ Perspectives on Reducing the Oral Transmission of Bacterial STIs: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT Growing rates of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) demand new approaches to STI prevention. Sexual practices involving saliva or direct contact with the mouth increase the risk of STI transmission, but community awareness remains largely unexplored in the literature. The Community Awareness and Surveillance of STI Transmission study sought to explore sexual health clinic attendees’ awareness of oral STIs; experiences when seeking testing and treatment; and acceptable educational and clinical interventions. Twenty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with a diverse group of Melbourne Sexual Health Center attendees’. Reflective thematic analysis was undertaken, revealing key themes across people of different genders, sexual identities, ages, and nationalities. All participants emphasized the importance of understanding how their sexual practices might put them at risk of an oral STI. They also sought care from specialist sexual health services with the expectation that health-care providers (HCPs) in these settings had more understanding of diverse sexual practices. Participants’ decisions to protect themselves against oral STIs were primarily driven by the effect the decision had on pleasure and intimacy. Comfort during the health-care encounter and trust in HCPs facilitated better understanding of individual STI risk. Differences in awareness and risk reduction strategies were noted based on past experience with oral testing and STIs. These findings highlight the importance of HCPs and public health interventions providing solutions that recognize the central role of pleasure and intimacy in our sexual lives.

A mixed-methods study of the awareness and functionality of sexual and reproductive health services among persons with disability in Ghana

BackgroundPersons with disabilities (PwDs) face barriers in accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services due to lack of knowledge and awareness, stigma and discrimination, and inadequate service provision. This study aimed to examine the determinants of SRH knowledge and awareness among PwDs in Ghana, and to explore their perceptions of the functionality of SRH services.MethodsA sequential explanatory mixed-methods study design was used to collect and analyse quantitative (n = 402) and qualitative (n = 37) data from PwDs in two districts in Ghana. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data was analysed thematically.ResultsMost of the participants had high awareness of SRH (94.3%), sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (92.5%) and HIV/AIDS (97.0%). Employment status was positively associated with SRH awareness [aOR = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.02, 2.59]. Disability type was a significant predictor of STI [aOR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.39, 2.94] and HIV/AIDS [aOR = 2.32; 95% CI = 1.21, 4.44] awareness, with the visually impaired having higher odds than the physically disabled. Age group was also a significant predictor of STI awareness, with older respondents having higher odds than younger ones [aOR = 1.76; CI = 1.01,3.05 for 30–39 years; aOR = 2.48; CI = 1.22, 5.05 for 40–49 years]. The qualitative findings revealed four main themes: conceptualisation of SRH, active engagement in SRH information seeking, tensions between knowledge and religious beliefs and perceived utility of SRH services.ConclusionDespite the high levels of SRH knowledge and awareness among PwDs, there are significant gaps and challenges related to disability type, age group, misconceptions, beliefs, and service non-functionality that limit the utility of SRH services. The findings call for tailored education to reduce misconceptions and put in pragmatic steps to deliver quality SRH services and information to PwDs. Further research is needed to assess the sexual lives of PwDs and explore the perspectives of all relevant stakeholders, including service providers and policymakers on how to enhance SRH outcomes for PwDs in Ghana.

Identifying risk factors for sexually transmitted infections and enhancing testing among sexual minority women in China: a national cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Evidence showed a greater risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among sexual minority women (SMW). Limited studies investigated characteristics and sexual health among Chinese SMW. To fill the current gaps, the research group launched the first national survey to explore sexual behavior and health outcomes among SMW in China. The study recruited participants online during Nov. 1–15, 2020, and disseminated online questionnaires to harvest participants’ sexual behaviors and self-reported STIs in the past year. All the participants read and signed an online informed consent form. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95 percent confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated in the analysis. Sex toy use (AOR = 1.5; 95 percent CI: 1.3, 1.7), G-spot exploration (AOR = 1.5; 95 percent CI: 1.2, 1.7), symptoms in the past year (AOR = 3.8; 95 percent CI: 3.1, 4.6), and self-reported STIs (AOR = 2.0; 95 percent CI: 1.6, 2.7) were associated with symptoms during sex. Factors associated with self-reported STIs were having first-time sex with a male (AOR = 2.0; 95 percent CI: 1.5, 2.5), digital-vaginal contact (AOR = 2.3; 95 percent CI: 1.1, 4.5), sexual intercourse with a male in the past year (AOR = 1.8; 95 percent CI: 1.2, 2.5), symptoms during sex (AOR = 2.0; 95 percent CI: 1.5, 2.6), and symptoms in the past year (AOR = 6.1; 95 percent CI: 4.8, 7.8). SMW reported risk behaviors for STIs, and women who have sex with women and men (WSW/M) were more susceptible to the infections. Tailored interventions should be developed to raise awareness of STIs and increase STI testing uptake.

A Scoping Review of Knowledge, Awareness, Perceptions, Attitudes, and Risky Behaviors of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Southeast Asia.

This scoping review synthesizes literature to examine the extent of research focusing on knowledge, awareness, perceptions, attitudes, and risky behaviors related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Southeast Asia (SEA). The PRISMA-Scoping approach was adopted targeting articles published from 2018 to 2022, sought from CINALH, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. A process of screening and elimination resulted in a total of 70 articles reviewed. Most of the studies were conducted in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, with the majority focusing on HIV/AIDS. In general, studies examining knowledge, awareness, and risky behaviors related to STIs in SEA reported low levels across various cohorts. However, evidence suggests that these issues are more prominent among individuals with low levels of education or low socioeconomic status, those living in rural areas or those working in the sex/industrial sectors. Engaging in unsafe sex and having multiple partners are the key examples for risky sexual behavior, while fear of being rejected/discriminated/stigmatized and lacking STI awareness were identified as social risky behaviors in SEA. Overall, cultural, societal, economic and gender inequality (male dominance) greatly impact people's knowledge, awareness, perceptions, attitudes, and risky behaviors in SEA. Education is an important factor influencing healthy behavior; therefore, this scoping review calls for increased investment in educating vulnerable populations to prevent STIs, particularly in less-developed countries/regions of SEA.

Comparative analysis of sexual behavior and assessment of awareness of STIs and HIV infection among young people of two generations

Background. Over the past 20 years, various preventive measures have been taken to educate the young generation, which is the most vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV infection. A comparative analysis of the results of a survey of young people (belonging to two different generations: millennials and zoomers) on sexual behavior and awareness of STIs and HIV infection allows us to assess the existing characteristics of the sexual behavior of young people and contribute to the further improvement of preventive measures among young people regarding STI/HIV infection.
 Aims. Comparative analysis of sexual behavior and assessment of the level of knowledge about STIs and HIV infection among young people (generations Y and Z).
 Materials and methods. For a comparative assessment of the level of awareness on the issues of prevention and risky sexual behavior in relation to STIs and HIV infection, data from earlier sociological surveys of young people in 20012002 and in 20172020 in the city of Novosibirsk were used. Among the respondents, a questionnaire was used, consisting of 23 questions, developed by the staff of the Department of Dermatovenereology of the First St. Petersburg State Medical University named after Academician I. P. Pavlov and the Center for the Sociology of Deviance and Social Control of the Institute of Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, adapted by the authors. The questionnaire consisted of two parts, the first part contained questions characterizing students' knowledge about the ways of transmission of STI/HIV infection and methods of prevention. The second part of the questionnaire is devoted to the issues of risky sexual behavior of students. Statistical analysis was carried out using Microsoft Excel and SPSS programs. The 2 test and the independent Student's t-test were evaluated. Statistical significance was set as p 0.05.
 Results. A total of 772 young men took part in the study, of which 321 students were interviewed in 20012002 (Generation Y), and 451 students in 20172020 (Generation Z). The results show that generations of young people (milleneals and zoomers) differ from each other in terms of the source of information about STIs, sexual intercourse with strangers, condom use, and the frequency of same-sex sexual intercourse.
 Conclusions. There is a positive trend in the sexual behavior of the younger generation. More structured promotion of STI/HIV prevention is needed, which will take into account current trends and features of obtaining information from young people.

The effectiveness of an extra-curricular lecture for STI prevention and sexual education.

While the incidence of infections with the human immunodeficiency virus largely remained unchanged in Germany, an increase of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was observed. The aim was to analyse the effectiveness of our sexual education lecture for students in improving the awareness, knowledge and prevention of STIs. We conducted a cross-sectional survey after students had attended our extra-curricular lecture at the Department of Dermatology of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Germany (LMU). We compared the data with a previously performed study in which the same survey was carried out before the lecture had started. A total of 5866 questionnaires were included in the analysis. After attending the lecture significantly more students were aware of STIs (syphilis: 36.8% (before) vs. 63.5% (after); chlamydia: 30.5% vs. 49.3%; gonorrhoea: 22.4% vs. 38.2%; human papillomaviruses (HPV): 17.7% vs. 30.2%), the transmission pathways of STIs (oral: 36.6% vs. 82.6%; vaginal: 81.8% vs. 97.3%; anal: 42.8% vs. 94.0%; penile: 68.7% vs. 92.1%), knew that the HPV vaccination is directed against a virus (36.8% vs. 56.9%) and were interested in receiving a vaccination (57.7% vs. 78.8%). This study demonstrates the positive educative effects of our lecture for awareness and improved knowledge of STIs. To satisfy the need for a comprehensive sexual education, a combination of school and health facility-based programmes should be implemented as one single lecture cannot convey the entire information about STIs.

The relationship between HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, sexually transmitted infections, and antimicrobial resistance: a qualitative interview study of men who have sex with men

BackgroundHIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that prevents the acquisition of HIV. It has been targeted towards men who have sex with men (MSM). Since its introduction there have been concerns raised around changes in sexual behaviour such as increased condomless anal intercourse (CAI), leading to an elevation in sexually transmitted infections (STIs). With antimicrobial resistant strains of STIs rising, there are concerns that PrEP may be contributing to this growth. This study aims to understand how MSM conceptualise the relationship between PrEP, STIs and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).MethodsTwenty semi-structured interviews were conducted online using Zoom. Participants include a mix of PrEP related experiences (never used, currently use, previously used). Reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken by the lead author with 10% of transcripts double coded.ResultsMSM in Wales have positive views and a good knowledge of PrEP and awareness of bacterial STIs. PrEP is perceived by many to lead to a reduction in condom use and increase in STIs but reported condom use behaviours presented to be stable in terms of PrEP initiation. PrEP use is influenced by increased concern for HIV and minimal concern for bacterial STIs. Awareness of AMR STIs was lacking.ConclusionsThere is a belief that PrEP use will lead to an increase in STI rates through reduced condom use, despite reported behaviours often being stable in relation to PrEP initiation, PrEP stigma may be influencing this dichotomy. Concern and awareness for resistant STIs is low, with little association to PrEP.

Knowledge difference of sexually transmitted infections between Hong Kong undergraduates from local and international secondary schools: A cross-sectional study.

Since the delivery of sex education is not standardized across local and international secondary schools in Hong Kong, this study aims to assess and compare the knowledge level of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) between university students who attended local and international secondary schools in Hong Kong. From January to March 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among undergraduates at the University of Hong Kong. The primary outcome was STI knowledge as measured by a 29-item quiz. A higher quiz score meant a better STI knowledge level. Students' attitude toward sexual health and their sex education history was collected. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate the association factor with a better STI knowledge level. Three hundred and ninety six students were included in the analysis. Three hundred thirty three (85.35%) students attended local secondary schools and 58 (14.65%) students attended international secondary schools in Hong Kong; 200 (50.51%) students were male and 196 (49.49%) students were female. Compared with students from local secondary school, those from international secondary schools had a significantly higher STI quiz score (18.19 vs. 15.4, p = 0.003). The results of multiple linear regression revealed that students in a higher year of study (β = 1.07, p < 0.001), from medical faculties (β = 6.96, p < 0.001), and from international secondary schools (β = 2.27, p = 0.003) achieved a higher STI quiz score. University students who attended international secondary schools in Hong Kong possess a significantly higher knowledge level of STIs compared with those who attended local secondary schools. Nonetheless, the overall STI awareness among university students is inadequate. The inadequacy of STI awareness calls for the need to plan and implement satisfactory, comprehensive, and standardized sex education across the overall education system in Hong Kong.

Associations between Awareness of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Prevalence of STIs among Sub-Saharan African Men and Women.

Treatments for HIV and other STIs are not readily available in sub-Saharan Africa and other resource-limited areas, where the prevalence of HIV and other STIs is high. In the absence of treatment and laboratory infrastructure to monitor treatment efficacy, increasing awareness of STIs and STI screening are crucial components of STI prevention programs. In the current study, we sought to estimate the awareness of STIs in resource-limited countries and evaluate the strength of the association between the awareness of STIs and STIs infection. We did a secondary analysis of data obtained from 2019 women and 794 men enrolled in a community-based study that was conducted from November 2002 to March 2003 in the Moshi Urban District of Northern Tanzania. We found gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV/AIDS were well-known among the study participants. However, their awareness of other STIs, including herpes, was very low. We also found that the awareness of STIs was not associated with STIs in men, but women who had prior knowledge of gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV had a twofold higher risk of testing positive for an STI. Education programs aimed at increasing awareness of STIs are needed in the region. The majority of the existing STI education programs in the region focus exclusively on HIV/AIDS. The expansion of the existing AIDS/HIV education programs needs to be strengthened to include information about other STIs.

Human Papillomavirus associated prevention: knowledge, attitudes, and perceived risks among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Pakistan: a qualitative study

ObjectivesMen who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender individuals are at higher risk of genital warts and anal cancer due to sexually transmitted human papillomavirus infection. This study explores MSM and transgender women’s perceptions of Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV prevention strategies (screening and vaccination) in Pakistan.DesignA qualitative study using focus group discussions (FGD) with self-identified MSM, male sex workers and transgender women were conducted between March 2019 to August 2019 in Karachi, Pakistan.MethodsParticipants were recruited from community-based organization (CBO) working for MSM and transgender women. A total of 38 men and 10 transgender women took part in 6 FGDs. Discussions were recorded, translated, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis.ResultsThree themes were identified from the emerging analysis. These are, 1) Knowledge and risk perceptions about STIs and HPV, 2) Beliefs and attitudes towards HPV prevention, 3) Participant’s recommendations for HPV vaccination and anal Pap screening. Participants described lack of knowledge of HPV and its health consequences as HIV is the only focus of attention of the government and the local CBOs. None of participants had heard about HPV prevention including vaccination and anal Pap screening for men but expressed a positive attitude towards prevention. Genital warts and anal cancer were perceived as severe potential consequences of a known risk behaviors. All participants stated they would be interested in taking an HPV vaccine but acknowledged that the provision of services for sexually transmitted infections (STI) are inadequate to meet the needs of key populations and are not prioritized by the government. The main perceived barriers to access HPV prevention included cost and challenges to access public health care services or openly discussing one’s sexual orientation with health care providers. Participants generally preferred the CBO for more professional, unbiased staff attitudes that respect patients’ integrity, confidentiality and privacy. Most participants thought that in case the government is non-cooperative, CBOs should work in the interest of HPV eradication and generate funds through international funding.ConclusionsThe findings from this study can help public health policy and researchers to understand this minority’s perspective on HPV prevention. Given the low level of knowledge about HPV infection and its negative health consequences there is a need of HPV education combined with STI education and awareness through HPV brochures to educate the target population effectively.

Virtual Peer Educator Training Program About Sexually Transmitted Infections in Adolescents

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are caused by fungi, bacteria, parasites or viruses and are transmitted from one person to another through having intercourse. Lack of knowledge will cause teenagers to have sex unsafely. Teenagers need to be taught about reproductive health because STIs are common and there is little knowledge about STIs. This study aimed to find out the effectiveness of a virtual peer educator training program about STIs in teenagers. This was a quantitative quasiexperimental study. There were 38 participants who were aged 15-18 years old and were recruited through convenience sampling. The data were collected by using two questionnaires: one about the awareness of STIs (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.795) and one about the attitudes towards STIs (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.709). The data were analyzed by using paired t-tests. This study showed that the training program was effective in enhancing teenagers’ awareness and attitude about STIs. Educating teenagers about reproductive health is important to make they know about STIs, themselves and their surroundings.&#x0D; Keywords: virtual, peer educator, training, STI, youth

Self-reported sexually transmitted infections among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect individuals of all ages, but adolescent girls and young women are disproportionately affected. We examined the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported STIs (SR-STIs) among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Demographic and Health Survey data of 27 sub-Saharan African countries were used for the study. The sample size comprised 68944 adolescent girls and young women (15-24 y of age). The outcome variable was SR-STIs. Multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with SR-STIs. On average, the prevalence of SR-STIs among adolescent girls and young women in SSA was 6.92%. The likelihood of SR-STIs was higher among young women aged 20-24y (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.36 [confidence interval {CI} 1.27 to 1.46]), those not married (aOR 1.64 [CI 1.51 to 1.79]), those working (aOR 1.20 [CI 1.12 to 1.27]), those whose age at first sex was ≤19y (aOR 1.99 [CI 1.80 to 2.20]), those with two or more sex partners (aOR 1.56 [CI 1.35 to 1.80]), those who listened to radio (aOR 1.26 [CI 1.17 to 1.35]), those in urban areas (aOR 1.42 [CI 1.30 to 1.51]) and those with a wealth index of rich (aOR 1.28 [CI 1.17 to 1.40]) compared with their counterparts. In contrast, those with a primary (aOR 0.86 [CI 0.78 to 0.94]) or secondary/higher level of education (aOR 0.83 [CI 0.75 to 0.92]) compared with those with no formal education and those who were exposed to television (aOR 0.90 [CI 0.84 to 0.98]) compared with those who were not exposed were less likely to report STIs. Our findings demonstrate the need for countries in SSA to commit towards reducing the incidence of STIs. Community-based health educational programs are required to intensify the awareness of STIs and their prevention in various sub-Saharan African countries considering the factors that expose adolescent girls and young women to STIs.

Evaluation of the knowledge of students concerning sexually transmitted infections in Bavaria/Germany (a cross-sectional study).

Despite numerous information sources and campaigns on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), there has been an increase in STIs in Germany in recent years. The aim was to evaluate the awareness and knowledge level among young students in Bavaria/Germany for STIs with a focus on human papilloma viruses (HPV). In a cross-sectional survey rendered completely and irreversibly anonymous, a total of 4,100 students from Bavaria between the ages of 12 and 17 were interviewed using a multiple choice questionnaire about their knowledge and awareness of STI, on the basis of gender, school education and preventive youth health examinations that had taken place. A total of 3,834 questionnaires were included in the data analysis. Interestingly, the awareness level for HPV is remarkably lower compared to other STIs. Girls and adolescents who had already taken preventive youth health examinations showed a higher knowledge of STIs on average. Additionally, we could show that adolescents of lower educational levels, such as secondary school students, had the least knowledge. The cross-sectional study shows that many young people are still insufficiently informed about STIs. The gaps in information and lack of knowledge underline the necessity of intensive and long-term educational work.

Prevalence and Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Community Pharmacies in Yenagoa Bayelsa State: A Potentially Under-Utilized HIV Prevention Strategy

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are mainly transmitted from person-to-person mostly through sexual contact. There are several microorganisms that account for STIs such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This study investigated prevalence, pattern of STIs treatment, knowledge, and awareness of STIs among the community pharmacists. A purposive or judgmental sampling technique was used to recruit the community Pharmacist (CPs). Self –report questionnaire, was employed as research tools to achieve the objectives of the study. Ethical approval and permissionswere approved by theBayelsa State Ministry of Health, Ethics Committee, and Community Pharmacist Association, Bayelsa State Chapter. One hundred and thirty (n = 130) questionnaires were given out, and 126 questionnaires were retrieved. The participants were mostly within the age range of 30 to40 years. Therewas high prevalence of STIs. Most of the participants had awareness of the antimicrobials to use as treatment of STIs. There was no statistically significant difference between years of practice and use of antimicrobial in treating STIs (p = 0.68). Ceftriaxone, Azithromycin and ciprofloxacin were the most used antibioticsalways for thetreatment of STIs. Single dose of ceftriaxone was often recommended. Common STIs reported wereGonorrhea and genital wart. There wasno statistically significant difference between years of practice and those reported Gonorrhea and genital warts as the most treated STIs (p = 0.44).The younger age group (18 to34 years)were most affectedwith STIs, and the female proportion was the highestwith STIs. There was a statistically significantdifferencethe those with longer practice experience and those that had few years of practice experience that reported the youngerage group was most affected withSTIs (p &lt;0.0001).STIs most common side effect reported was genital ulcer and pain in the lower abdomen. The CPs often providedpharmaceutical services to their patients with STIs. There was a statically significant difference with those CPs that provided pharmaceutical service and those who did not provide the above related services (p &lt;0.005). The study clearly demonstrated high prevalence of STIs, adequate knowledge of STIs and the treatment of STIs was antimicrobial. There is need for enlightenment campaign among the CPs on the need to follow standard treatment guidelines (STGs) to treat patients with STIs. Also, the need to educate the public on the modes of transmission, prevention and providing information on accessing of condoms are recommended to reduce sexually transmitted infection.Lastly, the use of STGs for the management of STIs should be encouraged among the CPs

What Explains the Rural-Urban Gap in the Use of Hygienic Methods of Menstrual Protection among Youth in the East Indian State of Bihar?

Background:Menstrual hygiene management has become a globally recognized public health issue. As evidenced by the National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4), among the states in India, Bihar accounts for the lowest use of hygienic methods of menstrual protection among youth. Further, the use in rural areas of Bihar is substantially lower than in urban areas.Objectives:Therefore, using NFHS-4 data, this study endeavors to explore the socioeconomic and demographic factors in explaining the rural-urban gap in the use of hygienic methods of menstrual protection among youth in Bihar.Methodology:A logistic regression model is used to identify the socioeconomic and demographic determinants of the use of hygienic methods, and Fairlie's decomposition technique is employed to compute the rural-urban difference in the use, and then to decompose these differentials into their separate underlying factors.Results:Findings from logistic regression analysis reveal that women's education, household wealth, media exposure, use of toilet facility, and awareness of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are the significant determinants influencing the use of hygienic methods of menstrual protection. Results from decomposition analysis indicate that while use of improved toilet facility and mass media exposure among youth reduce the rural-urban gap, the unequal distribution of women's educational qualification, wealth index, marital status, and awareness of STIs has tended to widen the gap.Conclusion:The findings suggest promotion of menstrual hygiene practices, enhancement of menstrual hygiene knowledge, opportunities for women's education, better sanitation practices, exposure of mass media, and economic incentives among youth in rural Bihar.

Коммуникативные и поведенческие аспекты проблемы ВИЧ-инфекции и ИППП: результаты опроса студенческой молодежи в Новосибирске

Introduction. For a long time, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV infection were considered independently of each other. However, at present, these infections, in addition to similar mechanisms of spread and social causation, are inextricably linked with forms of sexual behavior. Young people are a socially active part of the population, which makes them a risk group for the incidence and spread of STIs and HIV infection. Consequently, analyzing the young p¬eople’s awareness of HIV and STIs is of particular importance. Aim. To assess the characteristics of sexual behavior and the awareness of young people regarding STIs and HIV infection, as well as to study the attitude and degree of readiness to provide medical assistance to HIV-infected patients among students of a medical university. Materials and Methods. We used the data of a sociological survey of young people, performed in the period 2016–2020 among students of higher (medical, pedagogical and transport universities) and secondary specialized educational institutions (College of Hairdressing Art, Faculty of secondary vocational education of the Agrarian University) in Novosibirsk. Results. The sexual behavior of students of higher and secondary specialized (vocational) educational institutions is characterized as risky. The awareness and knowledge about STIs and HIV infection among students in Novosibirsk seems insufficient. The majority of students (69%) of the medical university experiences fear of contracting HIV while providing medical assistance to HIV-infected patients. The level of professional communicative tolerance of future doctors is assessed as high (80%). Conclusion. There is a low awareness of sexual health among young people. The lack of knowledge of the legal aspects of providing medical care to HIV-infected patients revealed in the course of the survey among students of the medical university requires a more detailed study of these issues during the training of future doctors for professional activities.

Evaluation of educational intervention on sexually transmitted diseases in adolescents

Introduction: Insufficient knowledge about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among adolescents is a serious problem that requires attention. Sex education is essential to address this problem and promote a healthy relationship with sexuality. Adolescence is a critical stage for establishing behaviors and attitudes, and effective educational programs are critical to improve knowledge and awareness of STIs in this vulnerable population. Methods: An educational intervention study was conducted to improve STI knowledge in adolescents. The effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated by means of before and after questionnaires, being considered effective if more than 80% of the sample improved their knowledge. Results: Active sexual life increases the risk of STIs. Education is essential to prevent them, but lack of information and social taboos are obstacles. After an educational intervention, adolescents improved their knowledge, including symptoms, prevention and behavior to follow. This highlights the importance of education in promoting healthy sexuality and prevention. Conclusions: Adolescents have little knowledge about STIs before education, which improves their understanding. Lack of parental information and social taboos contribute to this lack. Adequate understanding of STIs is essential for informed sexual health decisions. Sex education should be a shared responsibility between family, school and health professionals, actively involving adolescents.

INFLUENCE OF SEXUAL TRANSMITTED INFECTION KNOWLEDGE ON RISKY DATING BEHAVIOR AMONG HIGHSCHOOLERS IN SURABAYA

Background: Adolescence is a period of transition of human bodily, cognitive, and emotional improvement and is a time of formation of sexual mind and experiments. One manner to channel those instincts is by using courting. Awareness of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) affects adolescent dating behavior. This study targets to research the correlation between adolescent awareness of STIs with adolescent dating behavior. Methods: This research was observational analytics with a cross-sectional study design. The number of samples was 124 young adults in line with the inclusion criteria which were young men and women in high school for the academic year of 2021/2021, willing to be respondents, and agreed on the informed consent. The sampling method was carried out by purposive sampling. The independent variable in this research was knowledge of sexually transmitted infections, whilst the dependent variable was dating behavior. The collected information has been tested through Fisher Exact Test statistical test at a significant degree of α = 0.05 to decide the level of significance. Results: The outcomes confirmed that almost all respondents, particularly 98 (79%) had proper information of STIs, as many as 26 (21%) had enough information of STIs, and none of the adolescents had terrible knowledge of STIs. As many as 115 (92.7%) have no risky dating behavior and 9 (7.3%) of adolescence have dating behavior at risk of getting STIs. After doing the Fisher Exact test, the value of p = 1.00 (p&gt; 0.05) was obtained, thus there is no correlation between knowledge of STIs and adolescent dating behavior statistically. Conclusion: there is no relationship between knowledge of STIs and risky dating behavior amongst adolescence in Surabaya High Schools