Knowledge Of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Research Articles

Knowledge and Awareness of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men and Women of Pakistan-A Systematic Review

Background: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) pose a significant public health challenge globally, with varying levels of awareness and knowledge observed across different populations. In Pakistan, cultural, social, and educational factors contribute to the complexity of STD prevention and control, necessitating a detailed understanding of the current awareness levels to inform effective public health strategies. Objective: This systematic review aims to assess the current state of knowledge and awareness regarding STDs among the Pakistani population, identify existing gaps, and explore the implications for healthcare interventions. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The review included studies published in English post-2000, focusing on the adult population of Pakistan. Data extraction focused on study characteristics, knowledge and awareness levels, sources of information, and preventive measures. Results: The review identified a general awareness of STDs, particularly HIV/AIDS, attributed mainly to global awareness campaigns. However, significant knowledge gaps were noted, especially regarding transmission methods and preventive practices. Awareness levels varied by gender and location, with urban populations and women showing slightly higher levels of awareness. Electronic media emerged as a significant source of information, yet misconceptions and inadequate knowledge about prevention were prevalent. Conclusion: The systematic review reveals critical gaps in STD knowledge and awareness among the Pakistani population, highlighting the need for targeted educational programs. Addressing these gaps through culturally sensitive and gender-inclusive approaches is crucial for enhancing STD prevention efforts in Pakistan.

Do peer-based short-form educational videos created by nursing students improve youths' knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases? A quasi-experimental study.

The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remains high worldwide in today's society, especially among young people. Youth education on STDs could help to reduce the prevalence of the condition in society and prevent new cases. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of peer-based short-form educational videos on youths' knowledge of STDs. This quasi-experimental study was conducted in Turkey. The sample consisted of 121 students divided into experimental and control groups. Pre- and post-test control group quasi-experimental research design was employed in this study during the spring semester of the academic year 2021-2022. Peer-based short-form educational videos created by nursing students were used as an intervention. The survey form and Sexually Transmitted Disease Knowledge Questionnaire were used to collect data. Participants with parental responsibilities and had previous STD experience had higher knowledge score than the other subgroups. There was a significant main effect of peer-based short-form educational video on participants overall knowledge score of STDs. Additionally, the effect of intervention continued at 12-week follow-up measurement. Peer-based short-form educational videos increase young people's knowledge of STD, and the impact of the intervention continued at 12-week follow up.

Public Awareness About Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Taif, Saudi Arabia.

Islamic culture does not tolerate homosexuality and extramarital sex. This may result in ignorance of safe sex practices and a lack of proper public health education by the authorities and parents; this includes knowledge and awareness about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), modes of transmission, protection methods, and sources of information about STDs. This is a cross-sectional study, a Quick Response (QR)-code-based survey. A standard web-based questionnaire was electronically delivered to our enlisted sample. The statistical analysis started by transferring data from the Excel spreadsheet (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington, United States) to the SPSS software program. We used one-way ANOVA to compare mean scores between the various groups. And we used the Pearson correlation coefficient to assess the association of age with the score. Significance was established at a p-value of 0.05 or less with a 95% confidence interval. All statistical calculations were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0 (Released 2020; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). The study analysed the sociodemographic characteristics and STD knowledge of 608 participants. Findings revealed a balanced gender distribution, 52.8% male and 47.2% female, the majority being single (72.0%) and with a university education (72.0%). Knowledge gaps were identified, such as confusion between genital herpes and HIV, limited understanding of chlamydia transmission, and misconceptions about human papillomavirus (HPV) and HIV. No significant differences were found based on sex, age, marital status, or father's education. However, higher education of mother correlated with significantly higher knowledge scores (p < 0.0001). This study shed light on the limited knowledge and misconceptions surrounding STDs in Taif city. The findings highlighted knowledge gaps, including confusion between different STDs and misconceptions about transmission modes. The results revealed a positive correlation between higher maternal education and increased knowledge scores. These findings underscore the urgency for health authorities to develop awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to promote accurate information and foster healthier attitudes toward sexual activity in these regions.

Sexual Health Knowledge and Sexual Self-Efficacy as Predictors of Sexual Risk Behaviors in Women

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the proportion of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) diagnoses among women in the United States has more than doubled between 1984 and 2019 and rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in all individuals increased 30% between 2015 and 2019. Further, the CDC has designated women ages 13 to 44 years as a group vulnerable to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and STD infection, in part due to frequency of engaging in sexual risk behaviors. Sexual self-efficacy is associated with decreased sexual risk behaviors and counters norms that emphasize passivity and compliance as traditional sexual behavior in women. In the current study, we assessed knowledge of HIV and STD transmission and risk factors, sexual self-efficacy, and frequency of sexual risk behaviors in 281 woman-identified respondents aged 18–44 years in an online survey. Knowledge of HIV and STDs was low (averages of 63.3% and 49.9%, respectively). Younger women, and women who identified as single, White, and/or LGBTQ+ reported more sexual risk behaviors. HIV knowledge and sexual self-efficacy were independently associated with fewer risk behaviors and significantly interacted to predict sexual risk behaviors. STD knowledge and sexual self-efficacy were independently associated with fewer sexual risk behaviors. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive, widespread, and identity-inclusive sexual health education.

Women’s Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Telafer City, Iraq

Background: Knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is essential in protecting women from the devastating effects of these infections. This is the first study that attempts to assess the knowledge about one of the most embarrassing diseases in women with Islamic Turkmen culture.Purpose: This study aimed to assess women’s knowledge of STDs in Telafer City and its association with sociodemographic factors.Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 451 women over 18 years old from Telfer City in Iraq. The study was conducted using a convenient sampling technique from 1 December 2021 to 15 June 2022. The study’s data were collected using a STDs knowledge questionnaire. Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage were used to describe sociodemographic characteristics and the level of knowledge of STDs among women. In addition, the inferential statistics of ANOVA and Fisher’s exact test were used to determine the association between the women’s characteristics and knowledge. Results: The study signaled that the overall mean score of knowledge of STDs was (6.67±5.85). The vast majority of participants had a low level of knowledge about STDs (73.8%; n=333). Only about (14.4%; n=64) had moderate knowledge, and approximately (11.8%; n=53) of women were highly knowledgeable about STDs. The study also proved the presence of a statistically significant positive association between women’s knowledge regarding STDs with marital status (p˂0.000) and educational level (p˂0.000).Conclusion: The majority of respondents showed low level of knowledge about STDs. Marital status and educational level were associated with this knowledge. This study necessitates the construction and employment of a women-tailored health education program about STDs in Iraq and Telafer City.

Abstract B033: Increasing sexual transmitted diseases and promoting condom use among youth: Evaluation of year 2 data from the Proud Teens of Philly (PTOP) program

Abstract Background: Rates of sexually transmitted disease (STD) and teen pregnancy are much higher in Philadelphia than the national average. Proud Teens of Philly (PTOP) is a sexual health program aimed at reducing the high teen birth rate and STD cases in Philadelphia. The program provides sexual health education to high-risk youth ages 12-19 in the Greater Philadelphia area. The materials used to implement the PTOP program, “Making Proud Choices”, is an evidence-based curriculum that was reviewed and tailored for its cultural and age appropriateness, and medical accuracy. Methods: During the second year of the program, PTOP was implemented virtually and in-person to 411 youth in Philadelphia schools and community-based organizations. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) strategies and systems thinking approach were used in site and participant recruitment, program implementation, and evaluation. The educational content consisted of 8 modules of the “Making Proud Choices” curriculum. Pre and post surveys were administered to participants at the first and last implementation sessions, respectively. During Year 2, 391 pre-surveys and 208 post-surveys were collected. Results: There were significant increases in knowledge about fluids that transmit HIV (pre=23.47 post=25.07 t=4.65 p=&amp;lt;.0001), behaviors that transmit HIV (pre=10.86 post= 19.05 t=9.37 p=&amp;lt;.0001), condoms preventing pregnancy (pre=59.57 post=76.41 t=2.8 p=0.0057) and condoms preventing HIV (pre=46.29 post=68.92 t=2.98 p=0.0035). There was also significant increase in knowledge about affirmative consent before sexual behaviors (pre=20.05 post= 0.42 t=3.71 p=0.0003) and preparedness to use condoms (pre=39.34 post=59.19 t=2.43 p=0.0169) Conclusion: PTOP, a sexual health program was effective in increasing knowledge of STD and condom use among high-risk teens in Philadelphia. We will discuss the use of CBPR strategies and systems thinking in the design and implementation of this program. Citation Format: Jade A. Truehart, Ra'Ann Merceir, Aisha Bhimla, Yin Tan, Sabrina Liao, Min Qi Wang, Jane Sileo, Maya Allen, Grace X. Ma. Increasing sexual transmitted diseases and promoting condom use among youth: Evaluation of year 2 data from the Proud Teens of Philly (PTOP) program [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B033.

The perceptions of sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among adolescent STD patients: A qualitative study

PurposeTo explore the causes and outcomes of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the adolescent STD patients (ASPs) in relation to their access to and interpretation of sexual and STD knowledge, their attitudes towards premarital sex, and their feelings and thoughts after getting STDs. MethodsA qualitative study was conducted to interview 16 ASPs (12 males, 4 females) using convenience sampling. One-on-one, semi-structured, and confidential interviews were conducted in an outpatient clinic room at a dermatology hospital in Guangzhou, China. Data were analysed via thematic analysis with NVivo 12 software. ResultsFour main themes were derived from the data: sex education before getting STDs, cognition of the definition of STDs and their transmission, attitude towards premarital sex, and impact of infection with STDs. Most of the participants had very limited information about sexuality from their families or schools, lacked STD knowledge, and considered premarital sex as normal or common. Infection with STDs had a negative influence on all the participants, especially on female participants, as they felt ashamed and some even did not want to get married in the future. ConclusionLimited sex education, lack of sexual knowledge, and an open attitude towards premarital sex led to STDs among adolescents. This study highlights the importance of providing effective sex education. In addition, specific and targeted health guidance and suggestions should be provided to ASPs to help them deal with STDs and the life experience with STDs objectively and correctly.

The Effects of Internet Exposure on Sexual Risk Behavior Among Sexually Experienced Male College Students in China: Cross-sectional Study.

BackgroundAs a young subgroup, college students have become the main users of mobile social networks. Considering that people can indiscriminately access explicit sexual content on the internet, coupled with the increase of HIV infections in male college students, the role of the internet in meeting sexual partners and its correlation to risky sexual behavior has become an important topic.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to explore the effects of internet exposure on sexual partners and sexual risk behavior among sexually experienced male college students.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study design was used to collect data through a paper-based questionnaire administered to male college students recruited from colleges and gay organizations in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. A total of 1045 sexually experienced male students were incorporated in our analysis, with the following information collected: sociodemographic characteristics, sexual intercourse–related behaviors, and sexually transmitted disease (STD) knowledge. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to examine differences regarding basic characteristics and sexual risk behaviors between male college students who meet sexual partners via the internet and those who do not. Sequential logistic regression models were employed to examine the influence of meeting sexual partners via the internet on risky sexual behaviors after controlling for other factors.ResultsThe mean age of the sexually experienced male students was 21.6 (SD 2.0) years. The likelihood of risky sexual behavior was varied, yet it was the highest for those who aim to meet paid sexual partners (145/192, 75.5% to 19/22, 86.4%), followed by those seeking partners for love or romance (258/435, 59.3%). Compared to non-internet partner seekers, internet partner seekers tended to have more casual intercourse (292/542, 53.9% versus 51/503, 10.1%), paid intercourse (32/542, 5.9% versus 12/503, 2.4%), and intercourse with same-sex partners (349/542, 64.4% versus 41/503, 8.2%); they were also more likely to use psychoactive drugs (125/349, 35.8% versus 5/41, 12.2%) and have more than 2 partners. With the increase of HIV and STD knowledge, the probability of having unprotected intercourse decreased for non-internet partner seekers. However, it increased for internet partner seekers with a rising HIV knowledge score. Sequential logistic regression showed that meeting sexual partners on the internet was statistically associated with sexual risk behaviors with multiple sexual partners (odds ratio 4.434; P<.001).ConclusionsMeeting sexual partners via the internet is a common behavior among sexually experienced male college students, and those who meet partners on the internet exhibited higher levels of risky sexual behaviors although they had sufficient HIV and STD knowledge; this is especially true for students who aimed to find partners for sexual intercourse. Thus, more attention should be paid to young adults to address the risky sexual behaviors that may contribute to STD spread among this population.

Forced sex and its predictors among students attending university: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundForced sex is associated with negative psychological health outcomes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of forced sex and its predictors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed on 800 students of a university in USA using a random sampling method. Reproductive health electronic questionnaire was used for data collection. Due to the sensitive nature of the questionnaires and for anonymity, Qualtrics software was used. To estimate the extent of the effect of each of the independent variables (knowledge, attitude, as well as socio-demographic characteristics) on the dependent variable (forced sex), multivariate logistic regression was used.ResultsAbout one-fifth of students (16.9%) had experienced forced sex. The variables of gender, knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases (STD), and sexual attitude were among the predictors of forced sex. This kind of sexual relationship was more likely to occur in girls than in boys (OR = 2.94, 95%CI: 1.20 to 1.71). Further, the chance of forced sex significantly increased with growing knowledge of STD (OR = 1.41, 95%CI: 1.61 to 1.71), and sexual attitude (OR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.04 to 1.21).ConclusionConsidering the impact of gender, knowledge about STD, and sexual attitude on forced sex, educational interventions among the youth especially girls are required to provide complete and proper information about sexual and reproductive health and rights and correct the sexual attitudes of the youth.

Reproductive health education: a qualitative study of health seeking behaviour of in-school female adolescents

INTRODUCTION: Adolescents in developing countries are often vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unplanned pregnancies. It is estimated that about 13 million adolescent girls have unplanned births each year in developing countries. This study examined the scope of the School Health Education Programme (SHEP) and health-seeking behaviours of female adolescents in Junior High School (JHS). METHODS: this qualitative research used the narrative approach. Group discussions were conducted among 100 female adolescents aged 12-19 years. Interviews were conducted among five community health workers in five health centres that provide reproductive health services. The in-depth interviews and group discussions were documented, transcribed and analyzed using NVivo 11, whilst thematic analysis was used in analyzing data. RESULTS: the mean age of adolescents was 15.5 years, with 74% reporting having knowledge of STDs. It was observed that the SHEP offers various information on health issues such as menstrual hygiene, STDs, personal hygiene, contraceptives, personal development and unsafe abortion practices. Adolescent reproductive health services were also available in the health centres but patronage was low as a result of perceived negative attitude of health workers and trust. Knowledge on issues of reproductive health is insufficient among JHS female adolescents, with many of them relying on the media and peers for reproductive health support. CONCLUSION: in this study, female adolescents are generally involved in risky sexual behaviour due to their low level of knowledge on reproductive issues and their unwillingness to patronize available reproductive health services because of the health system and cultural barriers.

Poor knowledge of anemia and sexually transmitted disease but better knowledge of HIV/AIDS among unmarried adolescents aged 15-24 years

BACKGROUND Basic knowledge of sexual and reproductive health is important to be introduced during the premarital period, to reduce high-risk sexual behavior among adolescents, as well as to increase the correct attitude in their future marriage. This study explored the knowledge of HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and anemia among unmarried adolescents. METHODS This was a cross-sectional analytical study on secondary data from the Indonesian Demographic and Health Population Survey 2017, initially conducted by the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN). Knowledge of HIV/AIDS, STDs and anemia among unmarried adolescents aged 15-24 years in West Java Province and Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, was compared and analyzed using the chi-square test. RESULTS In total, 5,389 weighted data were retrieved. In general, adolescents in Jakarta had better knowledge of all diseases compared to those in West Java (p&lt;0.001). Knowledge of anemia and STDs was poor compared to that of HIV/AIDS which was moderate to good (p&lt;0.001). Interestingly, although the adolescents had a middle-low wealth index (43%), the majority (&gt;90%) had their own mobile phone with almost daily internet access, however most of their information sources on health education were from their school period. CONCLUSION Premarital education in schools is imperative to enhance the knowledge of STDs and anemia. Moreover, poor knowledge of anemia is a challenge for introducing the topic of thalassemia major, an inherited autosomal recessive type of anemia due to hemoglobinopathy. Since Indonesia is harboring 6-10% of thalassemia carriers, integrative premarital education is needed for better family planning.

Sexually transmitted diseases knowledge among andrology clinic attendants in Menoufia University and Shebin El-Kom Teaching Hospitals

Objective The aim was to assess knowledge regarding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among attendants in Dermatology and Andrology Clinics in Menoufia University Hospital and Shebin El-Kom Teaching Hospital. Background Knowledge of STDs and their complications is important for adequate prevention and treatment, as people who do not know the symptoms may fail to recognize their need and so may not seek help. Patients and methods A case–control study was conducted. Cases were patients who were diagnosed to have current symptomatic STDs. Control group was selected from attendants of both clinics, who were not complaining of any symptoms of STDs. Control group was age and sex matched. The selected sample with the help of the researcher was interviewed using predesigned questionnaire asking about different types of STDs, the causative agents, transmission routes, protective measures, symptoms, and complications of STDs. Results More than half of the studied group (∼64.5%) had satisfactory level of knowledge about STDs. Most of them, ∼84.2%, were from the control group, and only ∼4.2% represented the cases. Proper knowledge about STDs was statistically significant higher in the control group than the case group in STD knowledge parameters (types, complications, symptoms, the causative organisms, the routes of transmission, and the effect of contraceptive pills or condom on the presence of STDs). There was a highly statistically significant relation between the level of knowledge and presence of STDs. Moreover, there was a significant relation between participant education and level of knowledge about STDs. Conclusion The level of STD knowledge is satisfactory among the control group more than the cases. There is a highly statistically significant relation between level of knowledge and presence of STDs. There is a significant relation between participant higher level of education and level of STD knowledge.

Examining the relationship between the knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases and sexual myths among university students in Turkey

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the level of knowledge among university students on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and to compare the level of knowledge of this sample on STDs and their sexual myths. Methods: The sociodemographic data of 200 university students studying at several universities in Turkey randomly selected between January and March 2019 were evaluated with the “Sociodemographic Questionnaire,” their knowledge of STDs with the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Knowledge Questionnaire (STDKQ), and their beliefs in sexual myths with the Sexual Myths Scale (SMS). Results: There was no difference between the STDKQ and the SMS in terms of demographic variables. However, differentiation was seen between the “sexual behavior,” which is one of the subscales of sexual myths, and STDs. The STDKQ scores revealed that individuals who were previously informed received higher scores than those who did not. The level of knowledge about STDs was higher in men than in women. Conclusion: The knowledge of STDs among university students and their beliefs in sexual myths were evaluated based on sociodemographic variables. According to the results, we obtained from our research to increase the level of knowledge about STDs, and for the healthy development of sexual behavior, formal education including sexual health issues should be provided, research should be done for each region in Turkey on this subject, and in line with the results, necessary information should be provided regarding sexual health.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, RISK BEHAVIOURS AND PREVENTIVE PRACTICES ON SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AMONG STUDENTS IN A PUBLIC UNIVERSITY IN MALAYSIA

Increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among young adults between the ages of 15 and 24 years old had been one of the major concerns of the world. For each of the 20 million new recorded STDs cases, people within those age group were responsible for more than 50% of them. This cross-sectional study was done to determine the knowledge, attitudes, risky behaviours and preventive practices related to sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) among undergraduate students in a public university in Malaysia. A total of 1327 university students aged between 19 and 27 years were surveyed by using a self-administered questionnaire. The majority (75.1%) had good knowledge on STDs, and a significant number of students (53.8%) had acceptable preventive practice. Marital status was associated not only to the students’ level of knowledge but also with their preventive practices. Despite having a good knowledge of STDs, students in Science and Technology academic cluster perceived unacceptable preventive practices. This study highlighted some misconceptions about STDs, preventive practices and risky behaviours, raising concerns about a likely future rise in STD incidence. Therefore, interventions to implement strengthened health education on STD-related issues were required to bring change in practices, along with knowledge and attitudes.

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Young Adults Living in Albaha, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain one of the most important health challenges in not only developing countries but also developed countries. Discussing STDs in the Saudi society is considered taboo, as social factors and ethics give rise to many obstacles. This study evaluates the knowledge of STDs among young adult students enrolled in Albaha University. Methods: This research is a cross-sectional study involving 1902 young adult students registered at Albaha University. STDs knowledge scores (STDs-KSs) were calculated using a predesigned and validated STDs knowledge questionnaire with 27 items adapted from previously developed questionnaires. Results: The estimated overall mean of STDs-KS was 7.95 ± 4.29. Female participants showed a significantly higher mean of STDs-KS, compared to males (8.51 ± 4.14 vs. 7.32 ± 4.38, p < 0.0001). Participants registered in health sciences programs showed higher STDs-KS, compared to participants from arts and sciences programs (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Evidence from this study suggests a lack of STDs knowledge among young adults. To promote STDs awareness among this population, more health educational programs should be included in school curricula at the late stages of secondary education.

Une syphilis « précoce »

Syphilis mainly affects men who have sex with men (MSM) between the ages of 20 and 49. Herein we report a case in a teenager illustrating extension of the epidemic to other populations. A 15-year-old boy consulted in May 2018 for an anal fissure and painful oral erosions. He reported having had unprotected anal sex with another male teenager of the same age three months earlier. Syphilis serology was positive, with a positive treponemal test (TT) and non-treponemal test (VDRL) at 1/128. A treponemal bacterial DNA PCR assay was also positive for swabs obtained from the oral erosions and anal fissure. Due to a history of allergy to penicillin the patient was treated with doxycycline 200mg daily for 14 days. One month later, the mucosal lesions had subsided, and 3 months later the VDRL titer had decreased by 2 dilutions. This case of "early" syphilis illustrates a change in the French epidemiology of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). STIs currently affect very young and previously unexposed metropolitan French populations. These infections are increasing in teenagers due to an increase in high-risk sexual behavior associated with a lack of knowledge of STIs. This case is a reminder of the current decline in the level of knowledge about STIs among teenagers as compared to young people of the same age in the 1990s.

Prevalence and risk factors of bacterial vaginosis among female sex workers in Surakarta

Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age and increases the risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Data regarding the association between sexual activity and BV acquisition is contradictory. Thus, tracking the prevalence and associated risk factors of BV among female sex workers (FSWs) is necessary to improve our understanding and control of STDs and the HIV epidemic. Methods: The subjects of this study were FSWs in Surakarta. This study adopted a cross-sectional design, and diagnosis was established using Amsel criteria. Interviews were conducted using questionnaires to collect data of risk factors, including demographic factors (age, education level, daily income, marital status, location of sex), sociologic factors (age of first intercourse; age of first FSW encounter; duration of work as an FSW; number of clients/day; condom, contraceptive, and vaginal douching use; violence experienced as an FSW; smoking habits; alcohol consumption; and drug use), and knowledge factors (knowledge of STDs and HIV). Statistical analysis was performed by using bivariate analysis. Results: We interviewed 175 FSWs with an average age of 40.66 years. BV was detected in 28 subjects (16%). Risk factors associated with BV include alcohol (p = 0.022) and drug use (p = 0.022). Conclusion: Other than routine screening for STDs and HIV, FSWs should be encouraged to participate in prevention programs aiming to regulate alcohol and drug use to decrease the incidence of BV infection. Keywords: bacterial vaginosis, female sex workers, risk factors Normal 0 false false false IN X-NONE X-NONE

Creation of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Education Program for Young Adults in Rural Cambodia.

Introduction: Globally, adolescents and young adults aged from 15 to 24 years accounted for 25% of the sexually active population. They also took up almost 50% of all newly acquired sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) worldwide. In developing countries/ regions, there have been more unreported cases due to the limited resources and availability of data. This project aimed to enhance sexual health knowledge and encourage behavioral change in sexual practice in rural Cambodia by educational interventions.Methods: A multi-prong project used the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as framework to guide the implementation, which involved carrying out educational talks, group discussion sessions. The educational health talks described the signs and symptoms of STDs and preventive measures including the Abstinence-Be faithful- Condom (ABC) strategy. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted on 111 villagers aged between 18 and 30 years who lived in Peaksneng Thyme Village, Cambodia. Special materials were prepared that highlighted such information were also given to all participants. This was followed by discussion sessions that aimed to strengthen an appropriate attitude toward STDs. A pilot trial was done to prepare and build a constructive, realistic atmosphere and facilitated in-depth spread of main messages. A 20-item assessment of STD knowledge was used as pre- and post-intervention evaluation tool. Individual participant scores were compared to determine the effectiveness of interventions.Conclusion: This comprehensive program was effective in enhancing sexual knowledge in high-risk groups of both sexes as well as general public in rural Cambodia. With experiences gained, this could be replicated in nearby communities, possibly motivating community behavioral change in future. Alternatively, this approach could be further developed, or using other behavioral theories, and applied to other health issues in this country.

Lack of Knowledge about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Implications for STDs Prevention and Care among Dermatology Patients in an Urban City in Vietnam.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a substantial global burden of diseases, especially in developing countries. Lack of awareness of STDs may lead to a delay in treatment. This study aimed to assess knowledge about STDs and the associated factors among dermatological patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 622 patients at Vietnam National Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology (NHD). Structured questionnaires were used to investigate the knowledge about STDs. A multivariate Tobit regression was employed to determine factors associated with knowledge about STDs. The percentage of patients knowing that syphilis was an STD was highest (57.8%), followed by herpes warts (57.7%) and HIV/AIDS (57.4%). By contrast, 26.6% and 17.2% of patients knew that chlamydia and hepatitis C were STDs. The most commonly stated symptom of STDs was purulent genital (53.5%). Nearly two-thirds of participants were aware of the curability of STDs, and 34.7% knew about vaccines for STDs. Living with partners, young age, and acquired knowledge of STDs via the Internet, social networks, and health staff were positively related to having better knowledge about STDs. Based on the results of this study, peer education, informal conversations within clusters, mass community campaigns through the Internet and social networks, and the use of online health care providers should be promoted in order to improve awareness of STDs.

Young population, sexually-transmitted diseases and rights. National and regional scenario in Argentina.

In the context of social and demographic studies of sexual and reproductive health, this paper discusses the situation of young people in Argentina, emphasizing the problems revolving around Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and the compliance with sexual rights. This work aims to study the calendars and characteristics of the onset of sexual life in young Argentinean people and to describe the current situation of knowledge, practices, and access related to sexual life. Based on data from the National Survey on Sexual and Reproductive Health ( 2013) we worked with the universe of young people between 15 and 29 years of age (n = 2,084 women, n = 1,872 men, without weighting) and analyzed the differences in the calendars of the onset of sexual life, as well as the knowledge and prevention of STDs by gender sex, age groups, household income and geographical regions.A national scenario was found featuring marked tendencies in the calendars of first sexual intercourse by gender sex, as well as in the knowledge about STDs. However, the analysis by region and household income in each gendersex showed high heterogeneities, which would indicate certain limitations in the access to sexual education and the effective compliance of people's rights, as well as an increased risk to contracting STDs in specific social groups.