Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Knowledge and Perceived Prevalence of Symptoms in University Students

Background: Research addressing knowledge on sexual health, particularly of STDs risk and perceived symptoms’ prevalence, among university students around the world, and particularly in Portugal, is scarce.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of knowledge about the perceived prevalence of STD’s and their occurrence in Portuguese university students.

Study Design: An internet based cross sectional and retrospective study was conducted.

Methodology: A total 1018 students participated (68.57% women), with a mean age of 23.57 years (SD=5.82). The instruments used were a Sociodemographic Questionnaire, the "Sexually Transmitted Disease Knowledge Questionnaire" and "Sexual Risk Behaviours Questionnaire" (male and female versions), which were disseminated on the Internet, on a page specifically created for this research, after pre-test was done and the necessary changes implemented.

Results: The results indicated that students have inadequate knowledge about the STD's, the lifelong perceived prevalence of a STD was 9.9%, and the actual perceived prevalence of symptoms associated with a STD was 16.8%. Finally, a linear regression was performed, highlighting a significant effect between the degree of knowledge about STD’s and the occurrence of a STD or symptoms, which indicates that the symptoms depend on the knowledge.

Conclusion: These results reinforce the need for investment in prevention programs, in order to increase the information and reduce infection by STDs in college students.