Sexual knowledge, attitudes, and risk behaviors of students in Turkey

HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and attitudes towards HIV rapid testing among Chinese college students: Findings from a cross-sectional survey

Data of the awareness level of college students in China about Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) knowledge are limited. Also, the attitudes towards HIV rapid testing remain unknown among this population. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the awareness of HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes towards HIV rapid testing among Chinese college students. An online cross-sectional survey was performed in 2020. A total of 1,474 participants were finally included. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to examine associated factors for the cognitive levels and attitudes by multivariable logistic regression. Spearman rank correlation was used to examine the relationship between HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and attitudes. About 91% of participants had a high cognitive level on HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and 84.7% held a positive attitude towards the HIV rapid testing. Postgraduates (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.16-2.66) and females (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.13-2.52) were more knowledgeable. Females' attitudes towards the HIV rapid testing were more positive (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.40-2.62). Moreover, the knowledge was positively correlated with attitudes towards the rapid testing (Spearman r = 0.14, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the Chinese college students had a high cognitive level on HIV/AIDS knowledge and positive attitudes towards HIV rapid testing. A high cognitive level of knowledge paralleled with positive attitudes. Special strategies such as tailored education via HIV/AIDS curriculum and awareness campaigns are needed for undergraduates and male students to minimize the gaps regarding HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and attitudes.

Differences Regarding Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections, Sexual Habits, and Behavior Between University Students of Medical and Nonmedical Professions in Serbia

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sexual habits, and behavior among students of medical and nonmedical students in Serbia.

Methodology: The cross-sectional study of 1,273 university students of four undergraduate institutions in Serbia, two of medical and two of nonmedical orientation. A standardized questionnaire, prepared in line with the questionnaire of the European health research—the second wave (European Health Interview Survey—EHIS wave 2), according to defined internationally accepted indicators, was used as a survey instrument.

Results: Statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between medical and nonmedical student groups was determined for the following parameters: naming four of five STIs (29.1 vs. 13.4%), knowledge about vaccines against some STIs (26.0 vs. 17.0%), relationship between HPV infection and cervical malignancy (48.2 vs. 16.7%) engaged in the sexual relations (87.9 vs. 76.4%), never used a condom (15.2 vs. 10.4%), underwent gynecological or urological examination (66.7 vs. 44.1%), and tested to one of STIs (10.5 vs. 4.9%).

Conclusion: Both student groups have limited knowledge on possible consequences that risky sexual behavior has for reproductive health. Promotion of knowledge about STIs, awareness of all complications, and consequences of these infections certainly affect the reduction of risky behavior.

Awareness, Knowledge and Risky Behaviors of Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Young People in Greece

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) affect mainly young individuals and cause health, social, and economic problems worldwide. The present study used a web questionnaire to assess the awareness, knowledge, sexual behaviors, and common practices regarding STDs in young Greek adults. The 1833 individuals, aged 18–30 years, who responded to the study seem to be particularly knowledgeable regarding STDs such as AIDS (97.7%), warts (97%), Chlamydia (92.2%), genital herpes (89.9%), syphilis (81.9%), and gonorrhea (72.1%), whereas lower percentages were noted for trichomoniasis (39.3%), Molluscum contagiosum (12.9%), mycoplasmosis (11.6%), and amoebiasis (7.4%). Regarding oral STD transmission, participants replied correctly for genital herpes (45%), warts (35.8%), and AIDS (HIV; 33.8%), whereas 30.2% were unfamiliar with oral sexual transmission. Of the participants, 52% were not aware that STDs might cause infertility. Only 40.4% of the respondents reported always using condoms during sexual intercourse, and 48.6% had never been tested for STDs. The majority of the young population (55%) presented a moderate knowledge STD score (41–60%) and was associated with demographic parameters such as age, gender, sexual preference, number of sexual partners, and residence (p < 0.05). These findings provide important information regarding the prevention of STDs and highlight the significance of developing more effective sex education programs for young people in Greece.

Assessment of sexual and reproductive health knowledge and awareness among single unmarried women living in Lebanon: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH), a globally recognized fundamental health concern and a basic human right is poorly addressed and seldom researched in the Arab world. Disregarding this aspect of health creates various obstacles to accessing SRH related services and education. This threatens the health of a female, namely through increasing the probability of unplanned pregnancies and unsafe abortions, augmenting the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections, and most importantly, increasing the hazard of maternal and neonatal death. Thus, this study aimed to assess the level of SRH related knowledge and awareness among single unmarried women living in Lebanon.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire in both English and Arabic languages. The questionnaire included 9 sections; socio-demographic characteristics section, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) section, premarital tests section, vaccines section, menstruation and its abnormalities section, pregnancy symptoms and identification section, methods of contraception section, vitamins section, and honeymoon events section. The questionnaire was distributed among all Lebanese governorates to 491 single unmarried women living in Lebanon aged between 17 and 55 years. Student t-test and Chi-Square test were used to analyze results.

RESULTS

It was found that only 8.8% of all the participants had adequate knowledge. The highest level of SRH related knowledge was about pregnancy (88.0%), and the least was about contraception (13.5%). Most of the knowledgeable participants lived in Beirut governorate (13.6%, n = 8) and had reached universities (10.3%, n = 41), but this was not statistically significant (p-value > 0.05). The effect of a prior visit to a gynecologist was statistically non-significant on the overall level of knowledge (p-value = 0.269).

CONCLUSION

Due to the inadequate level of knowledge, SRH education campaigns empowered by the Ministry of Public Health in collaboration with primary care physicians and gynecologists, are recommended in both the societal and academic sectors to enhance the awareness level and make SRH knowledge readily available among unmarried women aged between 17 and 55. Knowing the massive role of social media nowadays, the messages they present should contribute to enhancing the level of SRH knowledge and redirect attitudes and behaviors of unmarried females in Lebanon.

Evaluation of knowledge, attitudes, and clinical education of dental students about COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new viral respiratory illness, first identified in Wuhan province, China. Dental professionals and dental students are at an increased risk for these viruses from dental patients, as dental practice involves face-to-face communication with the patients and frequent exposure to saliva, blood, and other body fluids. Dental education can play an important role in the training of dental students, adequate knowledge and adopting attitudes regarding infection control measures. The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and clinical education of dental students about COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A total of 355 pre-clinical and clinical dental students (242 and 113, respectively, comprising 190 females and 165 males) at Fırat University Dentistry Faculty, in Elazığ, Turkey answered an online questionnaire about the biosafety procedures for and their attitudes to and knowledge of COVID-19. The study was conducted in March 2020, Turkey. The data gained were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods and chi-square test.

RESULTS

Both the clinical and preclinical students were found to be afraid of infecting themselves and their environment with COVID-19, and the difference between them was statistically significant. Three quarters (74.9%) of the participants responded yes to the question of whether they thought that experiences related to COVID-19 affected them psychologically, with the differences between gender and clinical status were statistically significant. Responses to the question of which clinical rotation worried them more were 29.9% endodontics, 25.1% oral and maxillofacial surgery, 16.3% prosthesis, 15.2% periodontology, 6.8% restorative dentistry, 3.9% oral diagnosis and radiology, 1.7% pedodontics, and 1.1% orthodontics, with a significant difference between the preclinical and clinical students. Regarding the measures applied by the clinical students in their clinical rotation, the responses were 100% gloves and 100% mask (with 11.5% FFP3/N95 mask), 73.6% face protective shield and 37.1% safety glasses, and 49% bonnet and 16.8% disposable box, with 90.2% frequent hand washing, and 86.7% frequent hand antiseptic usage.

CONCLUSIONS

While students gave good responses regarding the standard measures they take to protect against transmission of COVID-19, their knowledge and attitudes about the extra measures they can take should be improved. For students to be least affected by fears associated with the disease, dental faculties should be ready to provide psychological services to those in need.

Sex Knowledge and Attitude Among Medical Interns in a Tertiary Care Hospital Attached to Medical College in Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Introduction: Sexuality is one of the most basic human experiences. But in India, there are many myths and misconceptions about sexuality. Poor sex knowledge causes many of these problems. Liberal attitude without adequate knowledge is harmful. As a future frontier of health care, medical interns play an important role to improve knowledge and attitude. But, in India, very few students can communicate about sexuality, and friends and pornographic materials remain as common sources of sex knowledge, which are unreliable.

Aims: To asses sex knowledge and attitude among medical interns and find its correlation with sociodemographic details.

Materials and Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 interns using a Sex Knowledge and Attitude Questionnaire II (SKAQ II). Data was analyzed by MS Excel for Windows. P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Mean age of interns was 22 ± 0.89 yrs. Mean score of sex knowledge of males was 25.47 ± 4.44, whereas that of females was 24.88 ± 4.77. Females had more knowledge of menstrual cycle and conception. Males had better knowledge regarding sexual acts in adolescence and its effects on marriage life. Sex knowledge and attitude were moderately correlated. Males had a liberal attitude, especially about abortion and masturbation.

Conclusion: The result revealed a need to improve sex knowledge and attitude among medical interns through sex education and adding sex education sessions in the teaching curriculum. Better knowledge and positive attitudes toward sex will be beneficial to the interns and the whole society.

Nurses' Knowledge toward Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in Guilan, Iran

Background:

Health care workers (HCWs) represent high risk population for viral hepatitis infection.

Objectives:

This study sought to assess the knowledge of HCWs regarding hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infection.

Methods:

In a multi-center cross sectional study, all HCWs from eight teaching hospitals were invited to participate in the study and to fill in a self-administered questionnaire.

Results:

A total of 1008 eligible HCWs have responded to the study. A high proportion of the study participants (55.4% and 52.9%) had unsatisfactory knowledge about HBV and HCV. Mean knowledge score toward HBV was significantly higher among more educated staff, p <0.001 and vaccinated personnel, P=0.02. Majority of responders answered correctly to transmission questions toward HBV and HCV (90% and 80%, respectively). There was statistically significant difference in only transmission domain score between various hospitals (p<0.05). The highest scores were related to surgical hospital.

Conclusion:

Although more than ninety percent of our participants were educated about HBV and HCV, knowledge about nature of disease, prevention, treatment and vaccine availability was unsatisfactory. Continuous training program toward viral infection is a matter of necessity.

Gender, Religiosity, Sexual Activity, Sexual Knowledge, and Attitudes Toward Controversial Aspects of Sexuality

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of gender, religiosity, sexual activity, and sexual knowledge in predicting attitudes toward controversial aspects of sexuality among Turkish university students. Participants were 162 female and 135 male undergraduate students who were recruited on a volunteer basis from an urban state university in Turkey. The SKAT-A Attitude Scale along with background information form, sexual activities inventory, and sexual knowledge scale were administered to the participants. Simultaneous multiple regression analyses revealed that religiosity, particularly attendance to religious services was the most significant predictor in explaining university students' attitudes toward masturbation, abortion, homosexuality, pornography, and sexual coercion.

Prevalence and correlates of HIV-risky sexual behaviors among students attending the Medical and Social Welfare Center of the University of Maroua, Cameroon

BACKGROUND

Data on sexual behaviors in Cameroonian youths are needed to design and implement effective preventive strategies against HIV/AIDS. This study aimed at assessing sociodemographic and religious factors associated with sexual behaviors among university students in Cameroon.

METHODS

In 2011, 411 university students were surveyed by a self-administered questionnaire at the Medical and Social Welfare Center of the University of Maroua. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine correlates of sexual behaviors.

RESULTS

80.8 % of students were sexually active. The mean age at sexual debut was 18.1 years (SD = 3.1). The frequency of premarital sex was 92.8 %. Pornography viewing [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 4.0, 95 % CI 2.1-7.6; p < 0.0001] and an increased age of 1 year (aOR: 1.3, 95 % CI 2.0-7.6; p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with having previously had sex. The likelihood to have a lower (<18) age at sexual debut was increased by male gender (aOR: 2.5, 95 % CI 1.7-5; p < 0.001), and urban origin (aOR: 2.9, 95 % CI 1.5-5.7; p < 0.01). The probability to have a high number (#3) of lifetime sexual partners was increased by age (aOR: 1.1, 95 % CI 1.0-1.2; p < 0.001), pornography viewing (aOR: 4.3, 95 % CI 1.9-9.5; p < 0.001), an early sexual debut (aOR: 2.8, 95 % CI 1.6-5.0; p < 0.001), having had occasional sexual partners (aOR: 7.0, 95 % CI 3.7-13.1; p < 0.0001), and was decreased by Muslim religious affiliation (aOR: 0.2, 95 % CI 0.1-0.9; p < 0.05). Having had casual sexual partners was associated with less inconsistent condom use (aOR: 0.5, 95 % CI 0.2-0.9; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that there is an alarming level of risky sexual behaviors among the study population. Strong and efficient measures should be undertaken to handle such harmful behaviors, this for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS and other STIs in this vulnerable population.

Implementation and evaluation of a curriculum to teach reproductive health to adolescents in northern Madagascar

BACKGROUND

In Madagascar, prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies are high among adolescents. Limited reproductive health education is available.

METHODS

In northern Madagascar, in 2014, we assessed the baseline knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy regarding STIs/HIV and family planning among 155 adolescents, and designed and implemented a 6-week reproductive health curriculum for adolescents using complementary teaching methods. We evaluated the curriculum through pre- and post-curriculum surveys of adolescents using paired t-tests.

RESULTS

Pre-test survey revealed a general lack of knowledge regarding different types of STIs. Post-curriculum, there was a significant improvement in the following educational domains: general knowledge of HIV/AIDS, other STIs and family planning (49%±17% to 65%±15%) (p<0.001), self-efficacy and use of contraceptives (57%±26% to 70%±26%) (p<0.01), and the overall combined scores of knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy (53%±14% to 68%±14%) (p<0.001). Open-ended questions revealed significant misconceptions and stigma regarding oral and anal sex and usage of condoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Important misconceptions and knowledge gaps regarding reproductive health exist among adolescents. The comprehensive reproductive health curriculum with complementary teaching methods was feasible, well-received and effective, and could be considered for integration into the schools' curricula.

Relationships among sexual self-concept and sexual risk cognition toward sexual self-efficacy in adolescents: cause-and-effect model testing

AIM

Sexual self-efficacy plays an important role in adolescents' sexual health. The aim of this study was to test a cause-and-effect model of sexual self-concept and sexual risk cognition toward sexual self-efficacy in adolescents.

METHODS

The study was a cross-sectional survey. Using a random sampling method, a total of 713 junior nursing students were invited to participate in the study, and 465 valid surveys were returned, resulting in a return rate of 65.2%. The data was collected using an anonymous mailed questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to test the relationships among sexual self-concept, sexual risk cognition, and sexual self-efficacy, as well as the mediating role of sexual risk cognition.

RESULTS

The results revealed that the postulated model fits the data well. Sexual self-concept significantly predicted sexual risk cognition and sexual self-efficacy. Sexual risk cognition significantly predicted sexual self-efficacy and had a mediating effect on the relationship between sexual self-concept and sexual self-efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Based on social cognitive theory and a structural equation model technique, this study confirmed the mediating role of sexual risk cognition in the relationship between sexual self-concept and sexual self-efficacy. Also, sexual self-concept's direct and indirect effects explaining adolescents' sexual self-efficacy were found in this study.

Youth Sexual Health: Sexual Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior Among Students at a University in Turkey

INTRODUCTION

To determine sexual attitudes, behavior, and knowledge of Namik Kemal University (NKU) students about sexual health and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

METHOD

A sample representing 10% of the undergraduate population of NKU in 2009-2010, was studied. Of 1,500 questionnaires distributed, 1,314 (87.6%) were filled out.

RESULTS

The mean age of the respondents (52.9% male) was 20.07±1.75 years. The rate of students who had received sexual health education was 32.0%, and 15.3% had previously used a sexual health service. Eleven percent of the female students and 50.3% of the male students had had sexual intercourse. The average age of initial sexual intercourse was 16.83±2.07 years. Of the students who had had sexual intercourse, 46.6% reported that they did not use any contraception method. The most preferred method was condoms (37.6%). The rate of contraceptive use was 58.7% in sexually educated students and 43.9% in those not educated (p=.004). The most well-known STI was AIDS (96.5%), with sexually educated students giving higher rates of correct answers about STIs (p<.05).

CONCLUSION

The students who had received sexual health education were more knowledgeable about vital consequences of STI's, even though it is not sufficient, than sexually active students. Awareness of safe sexual practices and changes in behavior, in particular, promoting condom use should be established in higher risk youths. Deficiencies in knowledge could be addressed by adding a sexual healthtraining component to the university curriculum, and unmet requirements could be met by reorganizing medico-social centers in universities.

On-site comprehensive curriculum to teach reproductive health to female adolescents in Kenya

BACKGROUND

Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy are high in Kenya, and limited reproductive health education exists in schools.

METHODS

We designed and implemented a 6-week reproductive health curriculum in Laikipia District, Kenya, in 2011, which included didactic sessions, educational games, and open discussions. We applied a mixed quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate this curriculum including a comprehensive 35-item survey to assess pre- and post-training knowledge, attitudes, and practices of female teenagers regarding STIs/HIV and family planning using paired t-test as well as complementary focus groups (n=42) and individual interviews (n=20).

RESULTS

Average age for 42 female teenagers was 16.5 (± 1.31) years. Pre-test questionnaires revealed lack of knowledge about different types of STIs, specifically chlamydia, but adequate knowledge of basic contraception including abstinence and condom use. By the conclusion of the study, we observed improvement in following educational domains: general knowledge of HIV/AIDS (85% ± 7.5% to 94% ± 5.6%) (p<0.001); general knowledge of teen pregnancy and STIs (57% ± 19% to 82% ± 13%) (p<0.001); and overall scores of knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy (81% ± 6.6% to 90% ± 5%) (p<0.001). Focus group discussions, however, revealed persistent misconceptions and knowledge gaps with themes regarding HIV transmission risk factors, perceived difficulty negotiating condom use, masturbation and its perceived consequences, and issues surrounding female circumcision.

CONCLUSIONS

Important misconceptions and gaps in reproductive practices were identified and addressed using a mixed methods approach. Despite prior basic knowledge and positive attitudes on STI prevention and family planning, complementary teaching approaches were instrumental in improving overall knowledge of STIs other than HIV as well as family planning. The curriculum was feasible, well received, and achieved its educational goals.

Knowledge, attitudes and behaviour towards sexually transmitted diseases in Turkish Cypriot adolescents

BACKGROUND

The incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is increasing among adolescents all around the world. There may be differences in knowledge and attitudes among different cultures and ethnic populations. The aim of this study is to determine knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of Turkish Cypriot adolescents related to STDs.

OBJECTIVES

To assess knowledge of STDs, attitudes towards sexual behaviour and STDs among the secondary school students.

METHODS

A cross sectional study, with a sample size of 423 students, was conducted by using a semi-structured questionnaire. Simple random sampling method was applied during the selection of the sample.

RESULTS

The mean age of all participants was 15.61 +/- 1.22, 211 (49.88%) of them were male and 212 (50.12%) female. The majority of students (91.25%) stated that they had some knowledge about STDs; hovewer, 8.75% of the participants did not have any knowledge at all. Most of them, 42.32% described school as a source of information on STDs, nonetheless, only 7.57% of the group cited health care professionals as the information source. The majority of students (97.64%) has never been treated for STDs. Among 423 applicants, 93.14% indicated that they would have appreciated information about STDs during the high school years.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a general understanding that the students are willing to participate and are in need of seminars that will be held about STDs during high school attendance. Furthermore, awareness raising educational events on this matter should be reviewed and revised in order to come up with more powerful ways of fighting against STDs transmission in this young population group of Turkish Cypriot (TC) community.

Prevalence and correlates of sexual behaviors among university students: a study in Hefei, China

Background

In China, sexual health and behaviors of young people have become a growing public concern but few studies have been conducted to investigate the prevalence and psychosocial correlates of the phenomenon.

Methods

A self-reported questionnaire survey on youth sexual behaviors was conducted among 1,500 university students in 2011 at Hefei, a middle-size city in eastern China. A total of 1,403 students (age = 20.30 ± 1.27 years) completed the questionnaire with a high response rate of 93.5%.

Results

Among the respondents, 12.6% (15.4% of male versus 8.6% of female) students reported having pre-marital heterosexual intercourse; 10.8% (10.5% of males versus 11.2% females) had oral sex; 2.7% (3.4% of males versus 1.7% females) reported same-sex activities; 46% (70.3% of males versus 10.8% of females) reported masturbation behaviors; 57.4% (86.2% of males versus 15.6% females) students viewed pornography. In terms of sexual communication about sexual knowledge acquisition, 13.7% (10.7% of males versus 18% of females) talked to their parents about sex; 7.1% (6.1% of males versus 8.4% of females) students reported having conversation with parents on contraception. About forcing sexual behavior, 2.7% (4% of males versus 0.9% of females) reported forcing their sexual partners to have sex, and 1.9% (2.4% of males versus 1.2% of females) reported being forced to have sex. Gender was found to be significant predictor of sexual behaviors in university students: males reported more sexual behaviors including sexual fantasy, heterosexual intercourse, masturbation, viewing pornography and talking about sex with friends. Several correlates of sexual behaviors were identified for students of different gender separately. For males, having romantic relationships, past sex education experiences, low educational aspirations, time spent on the Internet, and urban native settings were significantly associated with more sexual behaviors. For female students, having romantic relationships and urban native settings predicted sexual behaviors.

Conclusion

Sexual behavior among University students in China is not uncommon, although there are limited ways for students to acquire sex-related knowledge: male students showed significantly more sexual behaviors than female students. Having romantic relationships and more time spent online were important predictors of sexual behaviors among university students. To guide healthy sexual behaviors in young people, comprehensive sex education programs that provide necessary sexual health knowledge about safe sex should be developed and implemented in universities in China, particularly for students who have romantic relationships and those who spend long periods of time on the Internet.

Perception of risk of HIV and sexual risk behaviours among students in the United States, Turkey and South Africa

The aim of this study was to examine HIV sexual risk behaviours and perception of HIV risk among 1 095 students from the United States of America (US), Turkey and South Africa. Randomly selected students who were enrolled in general education courses completed a structured questionnaire. Results revealed statistically significant differences in specific HIV-related sexual behaviours among students from the three countries and among male and female students in each country. A higher percentage of US and South African students engage in HIV risky sexual behaviours compared with their Turkish counterparts, and a higher percentage of female students in the US and South Africa engage in HIV sexual risk behaviours compared with their male colleagues. A higher proportion of Turkish male students engaged in sexual risk behaviours compared with their female counterparts. The perception of HIV risk was low among US and Turkish students, and high among South African students. There was no agreement between engaging in risky sexual behaviour and self-perception of HIV risk among South African female students, while agreement was poor for US male and female students, Turkish male and female students, and South African male students. The observed optimistic bias needs to be considered in the design and implementation of HIV prevention programmes for these populations.

Sexual activity, knowledge and contraceptive usage by gender among university students in Turkey

OBJECTIVE

To assess sexual activity and contraceptive knowledge and practice by gender among university students.

METHODS

Descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted at Ege University, Turkey, with 1000 volunteering students. Data collection was stopped when 500 students of each gender had participated.

RESULTS

Of the surveyed students, 50.3% (27.4% female, 73.2% male) reported having had sexual intercourse; the mean age at first sexual intercourse was 18.4 years for girls and 16.9 years for boys. We found that 44.5% of female and 30.6% of male students failed to use contraception at their first coitus, whereas 2.2% of female and 13.7% of male students failed to do so at their most recent intercourse. The rate of condom usage for students' first sexual encounter was 50.1% (35.8% female, 55.5% male) and was 67.8% (70.1% female, 66.9% male) at their most recent intercourse. Abortion was mentioned by 43.9% of female and 39.2% of male students as a method of preventing pregnancy after unprotected coitus.

CONCLUSION

Male Turkish students had started sexual relations at a younger age but had less often unprotected first sex than female students.

Youth-friendly reproductive health services in Jordan from the perspective of the youth: a descriptive qualitative study

PURPOSE

This study aims at describing the needs for reproductive health services among Jordanian youth, identifying problems youth encounter when using reproductive health services, and identifying youths' perceptions of the characteristics of youth-friendly reproductive health services.

METHODS

A qualitative study using focus groups was conducted on a convenience sample of 60 young men (n = 33) and women (n = 27) (age 12-18 years) selected from the three regions of Jordan. The focus groups were audio taped, and content analysis was used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

The results revealed that the participants' knowledge about aspects of reproductive health was limited or inadequate. The participants indicated their need for reproductive health information and quality services. The major barriers to using reproductive health services were unpleasant facilities, unprofessional conduct and ill-informed professionals. Youth expressed many ideas about how services could be improved to be more 'youth friendly'.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study can be useful to health services planners and healthcare providers to improve services and start youth-friendly reproductive health services in Jordan and to develop educational programmes that may improve healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes and advance their interpersonal skills for working with youth.

Awareness of school students on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and their sexual behavior: a cross-sectional study conducted in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Background

Sexually transmitted Infections (STIs) rank among the most important health issues for the people especially the young adults worldwide. Young people tend to engage in sexual activity at younger ages in the past decade than in the 1970s, and 1980s. Knowledge is an essential precursor of sexual risk reduction. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, to produce the baseline information about school students' awareness and perception about sexually transmitted Infections (STIs) and their sexual activity to help establish control and education programmes.

Methods

Students from form 4 (aged between 15 to 16 years), form 5 (aged between 16 to 17 years) and form 6 (aged between 18 to 20 years) in their class rooms were approached and asked to complete self administered and anonymous pre-validated questionnaires. SPSS for windows version 13 was used to analyze the results statistically and results were presented in tabular form.

Results

Data was collected from 1139 students aged between 15 to 20 years, 10.6% of which claimed that they never heard about STIs. Sexual experience related significantly with gender, race, and education level. Approximately 12.6% claimed to have sexual experience of which 75.7% had their sexual debut at 15-19 years and 38.2% were having more than 3 partners. Sexual experience was found to be significantly associated with gender (p = 0.003), ethnicity (p = 0.001) and education level (p = 0.030). However, multiple partner behaviour was significantly associated only with gender (p = 0.010). Mean knowledge score was 11.60 ± 8.781 and knowledge level was significantly associated with religion (p = 0.005) education level (p = 0.000), course stream (p = 0.000), socioeconomic class (p = 0.000) and sexual experience (p = 0.022).

Conclusions

It was concluded that school students have moderate level of knowledge about STIs although they are sexually active. Interventions such as reinforcing the link between STIs and HIV/AIDS, assessing the current status of sexuality education in schools and arranging public talks and seminars focusing on STIs prevention education are needed to improve their awareness.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge Among Female College Students in Wuhan, China

The purpose of this study was to explore demographic correlates of sexual and reproductive health knowledge among Chinese female college students. A total of 4769 participants were surveyed about sexual and reproductive health knowledge and related sociodemographic factors, using random cluster sampling between 2005 and 2006, in 16 colleges and universities in Wuhan, China. To evaluate knowledge, the scores of 60 questions on reproduction, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections were combined for a possible score of 100. The average score on the knowledge scale was 42.6 ± 13.0 (1.1 to 79.7). Knowledge scores were statistically significant ( P < 0.01) between different sociodemographic factors using χ2 test. Multilinear stepwise regression showed that 11 of 16 factors, including age, grade, major, menarche age, family residence, being the only child, and mother’s occupation were significantly related to knowledge. Female college students lack knowledge of sexual and reproductive health, and their knowledge was influenced by numerous sociodemographic factors.

Evaluation of school-based reproductive health education program for adolescent girls

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness of school-based reproductive health education for adolescent girls on the reproductive knowledge level of the girls.

METHODS

This research was carried out as a quasi-experimental study at two vocational girls high schools, one of which was used as the study school and the other as the control school. The study group (97 students) consisted of three classes representing every grade. The control group consisted of students selected likewise (92 students). Reproductive health education was given to students in the study group for 10 weeks; the control group was not subjected to any educational program. The impact of the program was evaluated with reproductive health knowledge test designed for this study. A pretest evaluated baseline knowledge, and a posttest measured the gain in knowledge.

RESULTS

Baseline knowledge score of students in study and control group were similar and low (p > 0.05). We found that the reproductive health knowledge level of students in the study group increased significantly after the program of education. Post-test knowledge scores (75.03 +/- 13.82) of the students in the study group were higher than those of the control group (36.65 +/- 14.17).

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed students' low baseline knowledge and a good ability to learn. A school-based reproductive health education is needed to promote knowledge and prevention in reproductive health among teenagers.

University undergraduates' knowledge of chlamydia screening services and chlamydia infection following the introduction of a National Chlamydia Screening Programme

OBJECTIVES

To determine knowledge of sexually transmitted chlamydia infection among university undergraduates following the introduction of a National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP).

METHODS

Anonymous self-administered questionnaire on chlamydia knowledge and sexual behaviour provided to a convenience sample of 400 university undergraduates.

RESULTS

There were 259 responses (65%) and 17% of respondents were aware of the NCSP. Female students had significantly higher mean knowledge scores than males (p < 0.001), were more likely to be aware of the NCSP (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.70, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.11-7.49) and to have ever attended chlamydia screening (OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.33-6.66). Overall, higher mean knowledge scores did not translate into reduced risk taking sexual behaviour, and female respondents were significantly more likely to attend for a 'general check-up' if they 'had sex without a condom with a person of unknown sexual history' (p = 0.043). Popular sources of chlamydia-related information were friends and the media. The internet was not a major source of information.

CONCLUSIONS

Awareness regarding the NCSP, chlamydia infection and screening is limited and perception of personal risk poor. New evidence-based strategies are required to address knowledge gaps and risk-taking behaviour among university students.

Sexual activity among Turkish adolescents: once more the distinguished male

The mean age of first sexual intercourse in Western countries is around 17 years and decreasing. Although Turkey is a bridge between East and West, embracing different cultures, little data are available on sexual issues in the population.

METHODS

A questionnaire was administered to all students in the study year 2004-2005, collecting demographic data, sexual activities, sexual and contraceptive attitudes, and contraceptive knowledge. Of 7,657 applicants invited, 3,970 questionnaires could be analyzed.

RESULTS

Median age of the participants was 18 years (48.0% female, 52% male). Median age at first sexual intercourse was 17 years for females and 16 years for males. 46.5% of the males and 3.0% of the females had sexual intercourse experience. While 68% of the girls had their first sexual intercourse with their lovers, this ratio was 44.8 % for males (Chi square = 59.963, p <.001). Significantly more girls than boys were planning to have their sexual partner as future spouses (Chi square = 55.569, p <.001). Three fourth of the males approved premarital sex for males; this ratio was reversed for females (Chi square = 574.838, p <.001). Although both sexes disapproved premarital sexual intercourse of women, girls were significantly more conservative in this regard (78.6% vs. 92.5%) (Chi square = 110.460, p <.001).

CONCLUSION

Although the adolescent sexual intercourse rate in Turkey is low compared with Western countries, there is a tendency to increase. Therefore, sexual education is needed. When augmenting sexual education programs in undergraduate education, gender difference and cultural factors should be further evaluated.

Sexual behaviour and condom use among university students in Madagascar

Although the number of known HIV-infected students in Madagascar increased significantly between 1989 and 1995, very little is known about student behaviour with regard to AIDS. The study objectives were: to describe Malagasy students' sexual behaviour and condom use; to document students' perceptions about condoms; and to study the relationships between students' socio-demographic characteristics, their perceptions about condoms, and their condom use. The survey used a cross-sectional design and was conducted at the Antananarivo's university campus sites. Anonymous questionnaires were self-administered to 320 randomly selected students. Descriptive statistics and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Logistic regressions were performed to identify the predictors of condom use. Participants' average age was 24 years. Approximately 80% of the participants reported sexual experiences, and the average age at sexual debut was 19 years. Only 5.7% reported consistent condom use. Common reasons for non-use were steady relationships (75.6%), the perception that condoms were useful only during ovulation periods (8.7%), and the decrease of pleasure (6.4%). The predictors of condom use were male gender, and the perception that condoms were useful during ovulation periods. Risky sexual behaviours with regard to AIDS were prevalent in this community. An HIV prevention programme is recommended.

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN SEXUAL INFORMATION SOURCES, AND SEXUAL ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN TURKEY

Gender differences in sexual information sources and sexual attitudes and behaviors of college students in Turkey were examined. Results show that the attitudes and behaviors of Turkish college students as regards sexuality are becoming more liberal, although the conservative culture still has some effects, especially concerning gender differences. Sources of sexual information have increased as a result of technological advances, and usage of these differs according to gender.

Brief report: Risky sexual behavior of adolescents in Belgrade: Association with socioeconomic status and family structure

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between socioeconomic status and family structure with risky sexual behaviors in adolescents.

METHODS

A total of 1782 15-year-old Belgrade schoolchildren (47.5% boys and 52.5% girls) completed a questionnaire from the WHO study, "Health behavior of schoolchildren".

RESULTS

Adolescents with a higher weekly disposable income, those who perceived their family as wealthy, and those with difficulties in communication with their mothers were more likely to have had been sexually active (odds ratios (OR)=2.497, 1.876, and 1.253, respectively). Adolescents with a higher weekly disposable income were more likely to use contraception (OR=0.233), but those who perceived their families as better-off and those living with only one parent were more likely not to use contraception (OR=4.794, 22.295 [living with father], and 6.169 [living with mother], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The perceived family wealth was significantly associated with having sexual intercourse and having sexual intercourse without using contraception. Family structure had a limited independent association with sexual behavior.

Sexual attitudes and risk-taking behaviors of high school students in Turkey

BACKGROUND

The risk of sexually transmitted diseases is high but opportunities of sexual education for adolescents are limited in Turkey. The aim of this study was to evaluate sexual attitudes and behaviors and to determine the predictors of sexual initiation among adolescents.

METHODS

A questionnaire designed by the researchers was administered to 861 senior year high school students in their classrooms.

RESULTS

The rates of masturbation and sexual intercourse and the median partner numbers among males were higher than females. The rates of having negative feelings after the first sex among females were higher than males. The rates of having sexual intercourse and the mean age at first sexual intercourse among males were similar to developed countries. However, the use of a condom at first intercourse was low. Lower academic performance and grade repetition experience among males and cigarette smoking among both gender groups were related to having sexual intercourse.

CONCLUSIONS

This is one of the first studies about sexual risk-taking behaviors among high school students in Turkey. Differences found between gender groups regarding attitudes and behaviors reflect the social structure in Turkey. These findings may be helpful in producing effective solutions for improving education and preventive health care.

Aboriginal women's stories of sexually transmissible infection transmission and condom use in remote central Australia

Background: Sexually transmissible infection (STI) rates are persistently high in central Australia, creating conditions for a potential HIV pandemic in the area. There is a shortage of qualitative research examining the underlying factors affecting STI transmission in this region. The present study investigates Aboriginal women’s current levels of knowledge regarding STI and their transmission, perception of risk for STI, patterns of condom use, access to condoms and experiences of condom negotiation with their partners. It also explores the sociocultural context of their sexual health. Methods: The present study used qualitative methods with a semistructured questionnaire. Twenty-four women aged 18–35 years from one remote central-Australian Aboriginal community were recruited. Results: The results revealed poor understandings of STI transmission, limited access to condoms and low levels of condom use despite a high perception of risk to STI. They also identified specific issues facing these women regarding the sociocultural context of their condom use, their access to condoms and the transmission of STI. The perceived effects of alcohol abuse, infidelity, sexual assault and shame on the acquisition of STI were significant issues for the women. Conclusion: This research has identified an urgent need for further qualitative research into the sociocultural factors that facilitate the spread of STI among Aboriginal people of remote central Australia. Implications include the need to increase their knowledge regarding STI and STI transmission, to increase women’s access to condoms and to incorporate the teaching of skills to deal with sexual assault and violence into sexual-health education.

Effectiveness of an HIV prevention program for secondary school students in Mongolia

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness of a 3-year human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention program for adolescents attending secondary school in Mongolia.

METHODS

Comparisons of knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy and safe sex practices of grade 10 students from schools with a peer education prevention program to grade 10 students from schools without the intervention. Peer education programs were launched in 2000 across Mongolia. In 2004, survey data was collected among 720 randomly selected students from eight schools with the peer education prevention program and compared with those of 647 students from eight schools without this intervention. Data was collected in Ulaanbaatar and three Mongolian provinces and analyzed using multilevel regression methods.

RESULTS

Students of schools with the program were statistically significantly more knowledgeable, had less traditional attitudes, and had greater awareness of their self-efficacy in regards to HIV and sexual health. Students from schools with the peer education program were more likely to practice safe sex, though the difference was not statistically significant. However, safe sex practice was found to be statistically significantly safer in a subset of schools that had small teams of peer educators.

CONCLUSION

Adolescents in Mongolia are sexually active and at risk for infection with HIV and other STIs. Peer education programs, particularly those that are managed by small teams, appear effective and should be implemented more broadly.