Year: 2023 | Month: October | Volume: 13 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 1-7
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20231001
Awareness, Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Factors Associated with Risky Sexual Behaviour among STI Patients
Prince Kumar Patel1, Tej Bali Singh2, Satyendra Kumar Singh3, Swati Singh4
1,2Centre of Biostatistics, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
3,4Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University,
Varanasi
Corresponding Author: Prince Kumar Patel
ABSTRACT
Background & Objective: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are major public health problems and the leading cause of morbidity in developing countries. Risky sexual practice exposes for the acquisition of STI. This study aims to determine awareness, knowledge of STIs and various associated factors regarding risky sexual behavior.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among STIs patients between 15 to 60 years old from a tertiary care centre during August 2022 to March 2023. Data were collected through self-administered structured questionnaire. Bivariate analysis involved the use of the Chi-square test for assessing the significance of associations between factors associated with risky sexual behavior among STI patients and sociodemographic variables.
Results: A total of 194 patients with STIs were included. The mean age (±SD) for the enrolled patients was 32.8 (±9) years. Majority of STIs positive patients were found in the age group of 25–34 years. Knowledge of specific STIs was highest for HIV/AIDS (96.4%) whereas lower percentages were noted for rest others STIs. Family/parents were poor (8.8%) sources of information compared TV/radio (78.9%). Unemployment, more than one partners, sex in drunken state, using drugs to enhance sexual experience, etc. are various factors found to be significantly associated with high-risk sexual behavior.
Interpretation & conclusions: This study revealed that a low percentage of participants were adequately aware of the common types, symptoms, and complications of STIs. Due to a lack of adequate knowledge of STIs, young individuals frequently participate in high-risk activities. There is a need to focus on promoting the sexual education of adolescents and young adults. Counseling, education, and information are significant preventive measures to be used against the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
Key words: Awareness, knowledge, sexual behavior, sexually transmitted infections