Knowledge Of Sexually Transmitted Infections Research Articles

Safe sex negotiation and HIV risk reduction among women: A cross-sectional analysis of Burkina Faso 2021 Demographic and Health Survey.

Women are biologically more susceptible to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted Infections (STIs) because receptive sex is riskier than insertive. Despite condom use being the staple preventive method for HIV infection (over 80% efficacy), in Sub-Saharan African countries like Burkina Faso, a high burden of HIV and the unmet need for condom use coexist. Moreover, even though women in SSA are disproportionately HIV positive, they are reportedly less capable of negotiating condom use for HIV risk reduction. Thus, using the Health Believe Model (HBM), this study explored the factors that influence condom use among women within the context of HIV prevention, with a key interest in condom use negotiation. Using the women's dataset of the 2021 Burkina Faso Demographic and Health Survey and applying logistic regression models, this study examined the factors associated with condom use for HIV risk reduction. Women who had confidence to negotiate condom use with their partners (OR = 1.57, P<0.001, 95%CI: 1.29, 1.91), those with secondary education (OR = 1.38, P<0.05, 95%CI: 1.07 1.77), from richest households (OR = 1.64, P<0.05, 95%CI: 1.08, 2.47), the employed (OR = 1.23, P<0.05, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.49), women with knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (OR = 1.58, P<0.001, 95%CI: 1.26, 1.97), those who have ever been tested for HIV (OR = 1.85, P<0.001, 95%CI: 1.52 2.24), as well as those who knew that a healthy-looking person can have HIV (OR = 2.64, P<0.001, 95%CI: 2.15, 3.24) were all significantly more likely to practice condom use for HIV risk reduction. Also, religion and geographical location of participants significantly predicted condom use for HIV risk reduction in the study context. The ability to negotiate condom use, knowledge of HIV and STIs, the socioeconomic status of women, as well as their geographical location, influence their practice of safer sex for HIV risk reduction in Burkina Faso.

Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Predictors for Loss to Follow Up among Marginalized Homeless and Migrant Communities: a Cross-Sectional Study.

In Europe and Italy, marginalized communities have a higher risk for both contracting sexually transmitted infections (STI) and progressing towards adverse outcomes. This study focuses on the screening of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis among homeless individuals and agricultural migrant workers living in Apulia, Italy. It aims to assess STI prevalence and investigate factors that might hinder return to collect test results. In addition, it explores STI knowledge, attitudes, and practices among these vulnerable populations. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023. Participants were recruited from community health centers and migrant camps. Blood tests for HBV, HCV, HIV, and syphilis were performed, and Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) survey were conducted via face-to-face interviews. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used to assess factors influencing the return for test results. A total of 149 persons were recruited, including 64 agricultural migrant workers and 85 homeless people. Overall, 24.8% (n = 37) tested positive for at least one infection, and only 50.3% (n = 75) of the screened participants returned to collect their test results. Significant disparities in STI knowledge and healthcare access were observed between the two populations, with only 14.1% (n = 9) of migrants having access to primary healthcare. At multivariable analysis, the strongest predictor for not returning for test results was being positive for HCV. Among homeless people and agricultural migrant workers, STI prevalence was high, and only half of the population returned to collect test results. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and policy reevaluation to address healthcare disparities in marginalized communities.

Efficacy of mobile-based educational intervention using Instructional Systems Design in promoting preventive behaviors for sexually transmitted infections among Iranian women: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundWomen who are sexually active are at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can cause serious difficulties for their reproductive health. However, despite the high global burden of STIs, most infections are preventable with education for behavioral change. The purpose of this study is to investigate the Efficacy of Mobile-Based Educational Intervention Using Instructional Systems Design in Promoting Preventive Behaviors for Sexually Transmitted Infections among Iranian Women.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial aimed at promoting preventive behaviors related to STIs in Iranian women with an educational intervention based on the Instructional Systems Design (ISD) in 2022. The participants in this study were recruited from a single center, specifically the Health House No. 3 located in District 11 of Tehran Municipality. Two instruments were used in the present study: a) a valid scale titled: “Four-Scale of STI Preventive Behaviors”, and b) a researcher-made Questionnaire titled: “Social perception affecting sexually transmitted infections (SOPESTI)”. These tools contain 8 demographic items and specific questions with a total of 68 five-point Likert scales. The intervention comprised three phases: a pre-test (baseline), a training program, and two follow-up assessments (4 and 12 weeks after the start of the training program). The experimental group received education through a mobile app, while the control group received no intervention. SPSS v.26 was used, with a significance level of P < 0.05. The chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, independent t-tests, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and repeated measures ANOVA were used to analyze the data.ResultsA total of 80 women, with a mean age of 36.524 ± 6.91 (experiment group) and 34.78 ± 8.20 (control group), respectively, participated in the trial. The study revealed a statistically significant difference in the mean score for eight domains, including STIs Knowledge, STIs Vulnerability, STIs Preventive Self-efficacy, STIs Prevention intentions, STIs Perceived social exclusion, STIs Perceived cognitive barriers, STIs Perceived social support, and STIs Perceived risks in the experiment group following the intervention compared to before the intervention (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe results of this study showed that a mobile-based educational intervention based on the ISD model had a significant effect on the preventive behaviors of STIs in Iranian women. These results highlight the potential benefit of mobile health in enhancing reproductive health.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov IRCT20200602047638N1. Registered on 22 May 2021 with the IRCTID, V1.0. https://www.irct.ir/trial/55632

Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV among People Living with HIV: Should We Be Concerned?

Poor knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV among people with HIV (PLHIV) could worsen life quality. We aimed to investigate their STI and HIV knowledge, disclosure and undetectable = untransmittable (U=U). We proposed an anonymous questionnaire regarding STI and HIV to PLHIV attending ten Italian outpatient infectious diseases clinics. Moreover, disclosure and U=U were investigated. The calculated sample size was 178 people. Considering a missing response of 10%, the final sample size was 196. We enrolled 200 PLHIV (73.5% males), with a median age of 52.5 (IQR 41-59) years. The mean score was 7.61 ± 1.22 with no difference by gender, education, and employment. Significant statistical difference was observed by sexual orientation; bisexuals and those who preferred not to answer had a lower score than heterosexuals and MSM (p = 0.0032). PLHIV showed poor knowledge about HIV transmission (25% appropriately answered). Nearly 30% responded that virologically suppressed PLHIV could transmit the infection. Finally, 137 (68.5%) and 158 (79.0%) disclosed to the general practitioner and family and friends, respectively. Nearly 52.0% knew the meaning of U=U, and 83.6% highlighted its positive rebound. In conclusion, important knowledge gaps are present among PLHIV regarding U=U, and its implications are little-known. Improving PLHIVs' awareness will undermine self-stigma and enhance life quality.

(202) Baseline Reproductive and Sexual Health Knowledge Among Undergraduate Students in Manitoba, Canada

Abstract Introduction Many undergraduate students are newly sexually active adults with unsafe sexual practices. While sexual education curriculums exist, their understanding of reproductive and sexual health is unknown. Objective We sought to assess undergraduate students' knowledge and attitudes on reproductive and sexual health. Our aim was to identify variables associated with knowledge deficiencies. Methods A novel, cross-sectional questionnaire was created with local expert input. The survey assessed respondents’ demographics, attitudes, and knowledge of contraception/family planning, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and infertility. The survey was distributed online from January to March 2021 to undergraduate students at two universities in Manitoba, Canada, through their students’ unions. Local ethics board approval was obtained, participation was voluntary, and data was anonymized. After calculating median and interquartile ranges according to the data distribution, categorical variables were analyzed with Chi-squared tests and continuous variables were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis tests. Univariable and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis were used to assess variables associated with knowledge differences. A p-value &amp;lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results There were 309 respondents out of approximately 28,816 possible undergraduate students (n=309, response rate 1.1%). Of the respondents, 239 (77.3%) were females, 146 (47.2%) were ≥22 years old, 49 (15.9%) were from a high socioeconomic status (SES), and 264 (85.4%) were from Manitoba. Few felt that their post-secondary education on contraception/family planning (26.2%), STIs (34.6%), and infertility (4.5%) was adequate. Many felt at risk of having an unplanned pregnancy (45.3%) and contracting a STI (34.6%). The overall mean knowledge score was 65.5%, with averages of 71.7% correct for STIs, 65.6% for infertility, and 59.2% for contraception/family planning. There were significant differences in knowledge scores with age (p = 0.012), location of high school completion (p = 0.004), and university attended (p=0.044). On multivariate analysis, higher knowledge scores were associated with identifying as female (male OR = 0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18-0.87; p = 0.021), older age (age 21 OR = 6.04, 95% CI: 1.78-20.49; p = 0.004 and ≥22 years OR = 4.07, 95% CI: 1.35-12.26; p = 0.012), and university attended (University of Manitoba OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.11 – 3.49; p = 0.021). On subgroup analysis, family SES was associated with higher STI knowledge scores (OR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.07 – 4.48; p = 0.032). Conclusions Undergraduate students face unique barriers in obtaining adequate reproductive and sexual health knowledge. In particular, younger males who attend smaller universities, and possibly those who are from lower SES, may be at greater risk of negative outcomes. We highlight the need for improved access to education and supports to assist undergraduate students in making more informed decisions. Disclosure No.

Factors Associated with Condom Use among Community College Students

The incidence and prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have increased over the past decade, with half of all new diagnoses occurring in young people ages 15-24 years. Despite the risk, college students report low rates of condom use during sex. This study investigated factors associated with condom use in college students with the intent to inform health education strategies. In this cross-sectional study, a 40-item survey was administered to a random sample of classes at a community college in Central California. A total of 883 students participated. A multivariate logistic regression model identified factors associated with condom use, controlling for demographics, knowledge, and perceptions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and condoms.Hispanic/Latino respondents had higher rates of condom use compared to non-Hispanic/Latinos, as did non-White respondents compared to White respondents, non-females, and individuals who were not in a relationship. Regression results revealed that assertive negotiation (i.e., directly requesting to use condoms) was the most significant influencer of condom use. STI knowledge was not associated with condom use, nor was perceived seriousness or susceptibility to STIs.While traditional health promotion programs focus on knowledge and access to condoms, these results suggest that additional factors influence condom use, including the ability to directly request condom use with partners. In addition to topics such as STIs, contraception, and pregnancy, comprehensive sexual health education should also include communication and negotiation strategies between partners, through a lens that includes all sexualities and gender identities.

Implementation considerations for a point-of-care Neisseria gonorrhoeae rapid diagnostic test at primary healthcare level in South Africa: a qualitative study

BackgroundSouth Africa maintains an integrated health system where syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections (STI) is the standard of care. An estimated 2 million cases of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) occur in South Africa every year. Point-of-care diagnostic tests (POCT) may address existing STI control limitations such as overtreatment and missed cases. Subsequently, a rapid lateral flow assay with fluorescence-based detection (NG-LFA) with a prototype reader was developed for N. gonorrhoeae detection showing excellent performance and high usability; however, a better understanding is needed for device implementation and integration into clinics.MethodsA qualitative, time-series assessment using 66 in-depth interviews was conducted among 25 trained healthcare workers involved in the implementation of the NG-LFA. Findings were informed by the Normalization Process Theory (NPT) as per relevant contextual (strategic intentions, adaptive execution, and negotiation capacity) and procedural constructs (coherence, cognitive participation, collective action, reflexive monitoring) to examine device implementation within primary healthcare levels. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed using a thematic approach guided by NPT to interpret results.ResultsOverall, healthcare workers agreed that STI POCT could guide better STI clinical decision-making, with consideration for clinic integration such as space constraints, patient flow, and workload. Perceived NG-LFA benefits included enhanced patient receptivity and STI knowledge. Further, healthcare workers reflected on the suitability of the NG-LFA given current limitations with integrated primary care. Recommendations included sufficient STI education, and appropriate departments for first points of entry for STI screening.ConclusionsThe collective action and participation by healthcare workers in the implementation of the NG-LFA revealed adaptive execution within the current facility environment including team compositions, facility-staff receptivity, and STI management experiences. User experiences support future clinic service integration, highlighting the importance of further assessing patient-provider communication for STI care, organizational readiness, and identification of relevant departments for STI screening.

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.

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) knowledge and perceptions among people in HIV-sero-different partnerships in rural southwestern Uganda.

Globally, over one million people acquire curable sexually transmitted infections (STI) each day. Understanding how people think about STIs is key to building culturally appropriate STI prevention and treatment programs. We explored STI knowledge and perceptions in rural, southwestern Uganda to inform future interventions. From August 2020 to December 2020, we conducted individual in-depth interviews among adult men and women (≥18 years) with recent or current personal or partner pregnancy, a history of an STI diagnosis and treatment, and membership in an HIV-sero-different relationship. Interviews explored STI knowledge, perceptions, and barriers and facilitators to engaging in STI care. We used inductive and deductive approaches to generate a codebook guided by the healthcare literacy skills framework in a thematic analysis. Ten men with STI, five of their female partners, eighteen women with STI, and four of their male partners participated in individual in-depth interviews. The median age was 41 (range 27-50) for men and 29 (range 22-40) for women. Sixteen (43%) participants were with HIV. Significant themes include: 1) Participants obtained STI knowledge and information from the community (friends, family members, acquaintances) and medical professionals; 2) While participants knew STIs were transmitted sexually, they also believed transmission occurred via non-sexual mechanisms. 3) Participants associated different connotations and amounts of stigma with each STI, for example, participants reported that syphilis was passed down "genetically" from parent to child. 4) Participants reported uncertainty about whether STIs affected pregnancy outcomes and whether antenatal STI treatment was safe. The complicated nature of STIs has led to understandable confusion in settings without formal sexual healthcare education. Robust counseling and education prior to sexual debut will help allow men and women to understand the signs, symptoms, and treatments necessary for STI cure and to navigate often complicated and overburdened healthcare systems.

Secondary syphilis in a 13-year-old Indonesian girl: a social problem

Introduction: Secondary syphilis is characterized by skin and mucous eruptions, such as condyloma lata. Syphilis cases are rare in children. Several factors could influence sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in children, such as lack of knowledge of STIs, parenting, social environment, parents’ marital status, occupation, and education. We reported one social case of secondary syphilis in a 13-year-old girl. Case Presentation: We did history taking, physical, and laboratory examinations. From history taking, the patient did not know about the signs and symptoms of STIs, has bad parenting, a bad social environment, divorced parents, and parents’ low education. On physical examination, there were skin-colored papules, plaques, and nodules on the labia majora, minora, and perianal. The venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) result was reactive. The patient was treated with single dose injection of 2.4 million international units benzathine penicillin G and was educated for signs, symptoms, and complications of STIs, and the danger of risky sexual behavior. There were improvement of the lesions 10 days after therapy, decreased of VDRL titer 4x in one month after therapy, and no longer have sexual activity. Conclusion: Social condition can cause STIs in children. The bigger scope of education programs for children is needed to prevent STIs.

Implementing High-Intensity, Trauma-Informed Sexual Risk Reduction in Women Involved in the Criminal Legal System.

Although research supports using brief or extended behavioral interventions to increase prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), there is a shortage of current information about the specific effects on women in a short-stay carceral environment. This evidence-based practice implementation project aimed to employ the Safer Sex Efficacy (SSE) Workshop in a jail setting. A repeated measures design was used to compare STI knowledge acquisition and reports of condom use self-efficacy in a group of incarcerated women before, immediately after, and 3 weeks after participation in a high-intensity behavioral counseling intervention. Twenty-one females between the ages of 20 and 45 years participated in the program. STI knowledge acquisition and reports of condom use self-efficacy were measured using the Sexually Transmitted Disease Knowledge Questionnaire and the Condom Use Self-Efficacy Scale. Findings support the feasibility of implementing evidence-based sexual health education programming incorporating information about sexual risk behaviors, STI knowledge, and behavioral skills practice in a short-stay correctional setting and further investigation with a larger sample.

Preventive Behaviors of Iranian Women Toward Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Perspective of Motivation Protection Theory

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are frequently unreported, representing implied public health concerns, especially for women and in more vulnerable communities. This study aimed to determine the STI preventive behavior of Iranian women and related factors in protection motivation theory (PMT). Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted on a convenience sample from 20 January to 21 March 2021 in Iran. Women who were 18-35 years old with marital status were eligible to participate (N=600). The collected variables included demographic characteristics and STI-related behaviors regarding constructs of PMT: knowledge, perceived vulnerability, perceived self-efficacy, and preventive intention. A Persian version of the Korean four-scale about STI preventive behaviors was used as the assessment tool, and one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation tests were used for analysis. Results: A significant difference was observed between knowledge, perceived vulnerability, perceived self-efficacy, and preventive intention with sociodemographic variables. STI-perceived vulnerability and STI-knowledge with mean scores of 62.37 and 42.52 were the highest and lowest perceived constructs of preventive behavior, respectively. STI knowledge of Iranian women was low, and STI-preventive self-efficacy was perceived as a positive predictor for STI protective behaviors. Conclusion: A theory-based educational intervention is highly recommended to improve STI-protective behaviors.

Impact of an STI Diagnosis on People Living With HIV in La Romana, Dominican Republic: A Cross-Sectional, Qualitative, Descriptive Study.

The objective of this study was to explore how receiving a sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis affects subsequent STI knowledge and sexual risk behavior among key populations in La Romana, Dominican Republic (DR) who participated in a parent study 12 to 24 months before the current study. Nine participants, with a mean age of 37 years (range 20-54 years) and a female majority (89%), who were recruited from the parent study completed in-depth interviews, questionnaires assessing STI knowledge, and received STI testing. Interviews were analyzed using qualitative descriptive methodology and questionnaire data, comparing individual's responses between the parent and current studies. Participants reported safer sexual behaviors after original STI diagnosis, such as more frequent condom use. Questionnaires showed improvement in STI knowledge between the parent and current studies. Three participants had an STI reinfection. Findings warrant further exploration into more comprehensive and targeted STI treatment methods for key populations in the DR.

Sexually transmitted infection knowledge among men who have sex with men in Nairobi, Kenya.

High rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) have been reported, but there is little research on their STI knowledge. Our study sought to determine participants' characteristics that contribute to either high or low STI knowledge among MSM in Nairobi, Kenya. We mobilized MSM aged ≥18 years from Nairobi into a cross-sectional study. To determine their understanding of STIs, a pre-tested structured questionnaire was administered. Knowledge score was generated by summing up the number of responses answered correctly by a participant. We dichotomized scores as "low" and "high", by splitting the group at <12 and ≥12 which was the mean. A total of 404 participants were interviewed between March and August 2020. The mean age was 25.2 (SD = 6.4) years. Majority were single (80.4%) and Christians (84.2%). All participants had some formal education ranging from primary to tertiary; the majority (92.3%) had secondary education or more. Most (64.0%) were employed and their monthly income ranged from <50->150 USD. Almost all (98.5%) were Kenyans. Of the 404 (90.6%) self-identified as male and (47.5%) reported to be exclusively top partners. Many (39.9%) reported being versatile, while those reporting to be bottom partners were, (12.6%). The last 12 months, (55.4%) of the participants reported having sex with men only and (88.6%) reported to have had multiple sexual partners. Participants scored an average of 12.2, SD 4.5. Multivariable backward elimination logistic regression revealed that participants who had tertiary education (aOR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.32-0.77), a higher income (aOR = 0.40, 95% CI 0.22-0.75) and were engaging in vaginal sex (aOR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.25-2.78) predicted significantly higher odds of high knowledge in the final multivariable model. Participant's knowledge level regarding STIs was low. We recommend health care workers to continue educating patients about STIs.

Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Risk Perception among Undergraduates of University of Ibadan, Ibadan, South West, Nigeria

Background: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among young adults have continued to be on the increase and serious remain public health concern. The study assessed the knowledge and risk perception of STIs among undergraduate students in the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methods: A total of 1085 students were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, perceived risk and knowledge on STIs. Data was entered into IBM-SPSS version 23 and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test was used to evaluate categorical variables, p &lt; 0.05 considered significant.&#x0D; Results: Out of 1085 questionnaires distributed, 1050 were returned giving a response rate of 96.8%. Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) was the most frequently mentioned STI (898, 86.3%). Majority (967, 94.0%) agreed that some STIs manifest with symptoms. The most identified symptom was abnormal vaginal/penis discharge (731, 78.0%). Majority (1006, 97.4%) indicated that STI treatment should be sought first from hospital. Majority (1007, 96.5%) recognized sexually active persons with multiple sex partners are at high risk of STI acquisition, 522 (51.1%) recognized oral sex as a risky behavior. The mean knowledge score of the participants was 8.8±2.7.&#x0D; Conclusion: Participants identify sexual risky behaviors and practices as predisposal to STIs. There is a knowledge gap of STIs among participants which may be improved by reviewing the educational curriculum of a mandatory course which was participants’ main source of education on STI.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Academic Students about STIs and HIV/AIDS at the University of Fianarantsoa: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) facilitate and increase the risk of HIV transmission. This paper focuses on evaluating the knowledge, attitude, and practice of academic students about sexually transmitted infections and HIV at the university of Fianarantsoa. Materials: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among the students at the Andrainjato University. Knowledge was assessed using a score of one point for each correct answer. Results: 1035 students were included and 67.7% (n=701) had good knowledge about STIs and HIV/AIDS. The sexual transmission (83.9%; n=868) was the most commonly known. On multivariate analysis, being a student at the faculty of medicine (p&lt;0.001, aOR 137.3 [19.1-988]), faculty of Letters (p&lt;0.001, aOR 4.5 [2.8-7.2)]), or the Normal Graduate School (NGS) (p&lt;0.001, aOR 6.7 [3.3-13.7]), being tested for HIV before (p= 0.002, aOR 1.6 [1.2-2.2]), constituted the major factor of good knowledge about sexual infections. Majority (71.8%, n=743) have had sexual intercourse before, and the median age of their first sexual activities was 18 years (17-20). The use of Condom (44.4%, n=460) was the most practiced STIs prevention method. This is followed by fidelity (19.8%; n=205) and abstinence (11.4%, n=118). Among the students, 29.3% (302) had high-risk sexual behavior during the last three months. Conclusion: The proportion of academic students with good knowledge of STIs and HIV was not satisfying. There was also discordance between the knowledge of STIs prevention and the daily university practice of the students.

RELATIONSHIP OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS WITH THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR OF ADOLESCENT WOMEN IN SMKN 5 JEMBER

Introduction: Adolescence is a period in which hormonal developments affect physical, psychological and cognitive development. At this time adolescents show an interest in sexuality so that adolescents are at risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Many factors can influence adolescent sexual behavior, one of which is knowledge about STIs. Adolescents must have good knowledge to control their sexual behavior in order to avoid sexual behavior that is at risk of STIs. This study aims to analyze the relationship between adolescent knowledge of STIs and female adolescent sexual behavior. Method: This research is an observational analytic study with aresearch design cross sectional. The number of samples as many as 103 teenagers who fit the inclusion criteria. The sampling technique was carried out by total sampling. the independent variable is adolescent knowledge about STIs, while the dependent variable is adolescent sexual behavior. The collected data was tested with thestatistical Fisher Exact Testtest. Results: The results showed that as many as 68 respondents (66.0%) had less knowledge and 35 respondents (34.0%) had good knowledge. The variable of adolescent sexual behavior was found that 90 people (87.4%) had sexual behavior that were not at risk of STIs and 13 people (12.6%) had STI risky sexual behavior. After thecarried out Fisher Exact Test was , the p value = 0.357 (p&gt;0.05) which means that statistically there is no relationship between knowledge about STIs and sexual behavior of adolescent girls. Conclusion: There is no relationship between knowledge of STIs and sexual behavior of adolescent girls at SMKN 5 Jember

Sexually transmitted infections in pregnant women and their partners: A clinico-epidemiological study at a tertiary care center, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during pregnancy are associated with adverse fetal outcome. They should be aggressively sought and treated. We did an analytical study with the primary aim to know the occurrence of STIs in pregnant women and their spouses. An observational cross-sectional analytical study of pregnant women with STIs and their spouses was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Demographic parameters and medical history were recorded. Clinical examination and necessary investigations were done in pregnant females and their spouses. History about sexual behavior and knowledge of STIs were obtained from the questionnaire. The prevalence of STIs in pregnant women was 2.1% (n = 61) out of 2894 pregnant women who attended our institute during the study period with the highest prevalence of HIV (1.1%), and out of 54 examined spouses, 32 spouses were suffering from STIs. Overall, women had poor awareness, knowledge of STIs, and preventive measures compared to men. A significant association was seen between level of education and awareness about HIV/AIDS and other STIs, both in pregnant women and their spouses. Our study showed an overall low prevalence of STIs among pregnant women but showed higher HIV and syphilis prevalence as compared to national prevalence. The serodiscordancy rate was found to be high in HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.

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.

Education level, students’ knowledge and attitude towards STIs in selected secondary schools in Kisoro municipality, Western Uganda

Understanding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is crucial for preventing their spread, especially among secondary school students who, as adolescents, are more vulnerable to STIs. However, the lack of information on secondary students' knowledge of STIs hampers development of health education programmes for secondary schools. The objective of this study was to establish the students’ knowledge about STIs and HIV/AIDS, and their attitudes towards prevention of STIs. Data were collected using a cross-sectional survey design in which respondents filled out a structured questionnaire. The results demonstrate a knowledge gap among Ordinary- and Advanced-level students regarding the types, symptoms, causes, and prevention of STIs. The main conclusion is that education level partially explains the association between knowledge of types of STIs and HIV/AIDS, as well as attitude towards prevention. To reduce disparity in knowledge, continued sensitization of students about STIs and HIV/AIDS is recommended.