Knowledge of college students regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections – A cross sectional study in Bhopal, M.P

Abstract

The STI proves to be a disease of public health importance because most of the infections go unnoticed and may
still have serious effects or complications in the future. over (6% ) of the adult population in India suffer from one or
other STI/RTI episode annually. Since half the incidence of STI are among the 15-24 years old, this study was
conducted with the objectives to assess the knowledge regarding STIs among college students in Bhopal and to
educate them regarding causes, risk factors, modes of transmission, prevention, early detection and reporting of
STI, using A-V aids.
Materials and Methods
This was an educational intervention study conducted among college students of Bhopal over a period of 3 months.
Data were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire which consisted of questions to assess the knowledge
related to STI. Afterthis, educational intervention was given to the study participants regarding causes, risk factors,
prevention, early detection and reporting of STIs using audio-visual aids. Data was entered in Excel and statistical
analysis was done in SPSS.
Results
(71.4%) of students have heard of STI and HIV/ AIDS was the most known STI among the participants (61%), while
trichomoniasis was known by none. Only (34.4 %) participants were aware of the route of transmission of STI as
through sexual contact. (81 % ) think that STIs are preventable. The awareness of STI clinics was only (29.8%).
Conclusion
The findings from the present study highlights the gaps and the need to create awareness about Sexually
Transmitted Infections including HIV among college students.