(151) Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Nursing and Midwifery Students Regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a global health problem. Nursing and obstetrics students are the future workers whose role in health education and promotion is undeniable. Hence we became interested in evaluating their knowledge of STIs. The aim of our study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of nursing and midwifery students regarding sexually transmitted diseases. This was a prospective, cross-sectional, quantitative, and descriptive study, conducted in the Higher Institute of Nursing Sciences of Tunis (ISSIT) and the Higher Institute of Health Sciences and Techniques of Tunis (ESSTST) over the period of to months (March 1st, 2022 to April 30, 2022). The target population of our study included 568 students. The information was collected via a self-administered questionnaire. Our study population sample was mainly composed of women (72%) versus 28% men. The average age of our sample was 21 years old. The majority of students (95%) have already heard of STIs. The main source of information was the academic background of these students (79%), followed by the media (15%) and only 1% comes from the family circle. Students rated their knowledge as fairly good and good in 37% and 34% of cases, respectively. Only 5% admitted having very good knowledge and 2% with zero knowledge. For their knowledge of the modes of transmission of STIs: 98.4% retained vaginal penetration, 69.1% for anal penetration against 40.7% for oral sex. The best-known germ was the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (87.8%) followed closely by syphilis (82.9%). The least known agent was Neisseria Gonorrhoeae (Gonococcus), identified only in 28.4% of cases. 65% of the students recognized syphilis as a bacterial infection. However, 34.1% of students in the sample did not know that it can be associated with HIV infection. Most students (52.8%) had no information regarding HPV infection and only a minority of 18.7% knew that there is an HPV vaccine. 7% already had sex and the medium age of their first sexual intercourse was 18, With an average of 1.33 partners during the last 12 months. Only 2% of them had used a condom during their first sexual intercourse with a new partner. 43%had justified the nonuse of condoms with decreased feelings of pleasure, 29% get embarrassed to purchase it, 14%had some difficulties using it, and 14% did not use a condom because they simply wanted to get pregnant. 75%had the intention to use a condom during their first sexual intercourse while 25% did not. The knowledge of health students regarding sexually transmitted infections needs a boost in order to improve the involvement of awareness of the whole population. Besides, they are not taking the necessary measures to avoid sexually transmitted infections for multiple reasons and the lack of knowledge might be the main cause. No.