Knowledge of sexually transmitted infections and sex-at-risk among Italian students of health professions. Data from a one-month survey

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge and behavioral risks associated with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among the students of health professions at the University of Palermo divided into two age groups (18-22 years and 23-27 years). Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed. It was based on the risk health behavior survey and assessed behavior and knowledge in three areas: quality of information provided by public institutions, contraceptive methods, sexually transmitted disease and HPV vaccination. Results: The sample: 1022 individuals (70.8% females), age class 18-22 years (61.5%). Males have a greater risk of not knowing HPV (aOR 3.52). The 18-22 age group has a higher risk than the 23-27 age group to think of being not sufficiently informed to avoid contagion (aOR 3.92), never having STDs specific controls (aOR 2.90), not knowing HPV vaccine (aOR 1.86) and not knowing that it can be done in males (aOR 2.63).