Awareness of sexually transmitted infection and protection methods among university students in Ireland

Sexual health behaviours and partner notification practices related to sexually transmitted infections in young adults in Ireland

BACKGROUND

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) impose burdens on individuals and communities, while their prevalence in young people has risen continually in recent years. Partner notification is an effective public health strategy which can limit STI transmission.

AIMS

This study aimed to explore young adults' sexual health behaviours, attitudes toward STI testing, and feelings toward visiting a sexual health clinic. It also aimed to investigate preferences for partner notification and the role of self-efficacy in people's intentions to notify a partner for STIs including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

METHODS

A quantitative, cross-sectional design was applied. Participants were 400 adults aged 18-34 years (M = 23 years; SD = 4.27), recruited from the Republic of Ireland.

RESULTS

Over half of the participants reported never being tested for STIs. These young people placed less importance on undergoing regular STI testing and testing after unprotected sex than their counterparts who had been tested for STIs. Self-efficacy was significantly associated with intentions to notify partner(s) for STIs including HIV.

CONCLUSIONS

As STIs are becoming increasingly prevalent in young adults, it is important to gain a deeper understanding of the interventions used to break the transmission chain and how different beliefs and attitudes may affect them. Self-efficacy was a key component in PN intentions, suggesting that the belief in someone's ability or skillset to perform a sexual health behaviour is positively related to their intention to perform the behaviour.

A comparative analysis of the sexual culture and behavior of nursing students from the Medical University of Plovdiv in the period 2009-2019

INTRODUCTION

Population reproduction and family planning are highly dependent on sexual culture and sexual behavior. In this study, we seek to determine whether, over a ten-year period from 2009 to 2019, there have been any changes in the sexual culture of nursing students in relation to the knowledge of risk factors for unintended pregnancies and subsequent abortions.

Predicting sexual risk and sexual health screening in a sample of university students in Lebanon: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

The present study focuses on factors that predict sexual risk behaviors and sexual health screening behaviors in a sample of university students in Lebanon.

PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of 250 undergraduate students was recruited at a private university in Beirut, Lebanon.

METHODS

Students completed measures of religiosity, psychological distress, contraceptives usage, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted infections (STI) screening, and sexual risk behaviors.

RESULTS

Religiosity was negatively associated with a range of risky sexual behaviors whereas psychological distress was positively associated with these behaviors. Sex under the influence of alcohol/drugs, discussing methods of contraception, and engaging in sexual activities later regretted had significant effects on having had condomless vaginal sex. Gender (being female) and sex under the influence of alcohol had significant effects on STIs screening.

CONCLUSION

Interventions that focus on managing drug and alcohol use in students, unwanted pregnancy, religion, stigma related to screening, and sexual health education are recommended.

Sexual health knowledge and influencing factors among health science students at a state university in Turkey

OBJECTIVES

It is important to determine the sexual health knowledge and educational needs of university health science students, as they need this knowledge in both their personal and professional lives. We aimed to determine the sexual health knowledge and affecting factors of health science students in Turkey.

METHODS

A descriptive study was carried out among students at a university faculty of health sciences in Ankara province, Turkey. Data were collected using a student information form and the Sexual Health Knowledge Test (SHKT).

RESULTS

The study comprised 738 participants. Students' mean SHKT score was moderate (25.13 ± 5.28; range 0-40). The lowest correct response rates in the SHKT were to questions on sexually transmitted infections (45.6%) and safe sexual behaviour (53.5%). Students' main sources of information on sexual health were the internet (72%) and friends (40.9%). The most important factors affecting SHKT scores were having graduated from a health-education high school (eta² = 0.035); having a working mother (eta² = 0.023); getting sexual health information from the internet (eta² = 0.019), from friends (eta² = 0.018) or from school/teachers (eta² = 0.015); having friends of the opposite sex for emotional and/or social support (eta² = 0.010); and being female (eta² = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

The results indicate the importance of educating young people and their parents about sexual health. We recommend that the sexual health educational needs of university students in health sciences should not be overlooked; these students have similar needs to those of students in other fields.

Online STI information seeking behaviour and condom use intentions among young Facebook users in Malaysia

The Internet has opened pathways for youth to find sexual health information which was not easily available to them in the past. Studies have shown that seeking sexual health information online may potentially influence an individuals' decision-making to change their sexual health behaviours. However, there is a gap in research on the associations of seeking online sexually transmitted infection (STI) information with STI prevention among young people, particularly in Malaysia. This study investigated the associations of seeking STI information online with the intentions of condom use among young adult online users in Malaysia. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Malaysian youth aged 18-25 years old who were recruited through Facebook. In total, 1530 respondents completed the survey, identifying 874 respondents who had sought STI information online. The majority of respondents had intentions to use condoms as protection against STI. Respondents who sought online STI information were significantly more likely to have the intention to use condoms compared to respondents who did not seek online STI information (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.01-1.76, p = 0.040). Online STI information has the potential to increase access to STI information among young online users in Malaysia amid the stigma surrounding sex-related issues. Providing accurate STI information online from reliable sources may equip young people who have Internet access with awareness of sexual health protective behaviours such as condom use. It is recommended to facilitate Internet access to reach sectors of the population that currently do not have access, as the Internet is useful in STI prevention.

Sexually transmitted infections knowledge in different populations attending a French University Hospital - A prospective observational study

We conducted a prospective study about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) knowledge in different populations attending Lyon's University Hospitals in order to estimate awareness on STIs. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)-users (PrEP group), persons living with HIV (PLWH group) and persons undergoing free STI screening (screening group) filled an anonymous questionnaire evaluating STI knowledge. A composite STI knowledge score was calculated and was correlated with patients’ characteristics. A total of 756 patients were enrolled in three groups: screening (n = 509), PrEP (n = 103) and PLWH (n = 144). STI transmission knowledge was better for HIV than for other STIs. The median STI knowledge score was significantly higher in PrEP-users than in the screening and PLWH groups. PrEP use and a previous STI diagnosis were independently associated with a higher score. PrEP-users have better STI knowledge than PLWH and persons undergoing free STI screening. Sexual health promotion interventions routinely reserved to PrEP-users in France seem to be effective in raising the awareness of this group for STIs. Continuous efforts are justified for PLWH and the younger layers of the population.

Processes of a Transformation of Young Drivers' Responsibility for Health-Carpe Diem

Research most often deals with the relationship between risky behaviour on the road and other aspects of young adults’ lifestyle. It is rare that the sense of responsibility for one’s own life and health and for that of other people on the road is understood, due to the limitation of perceptual data. In this study, we researched 198 young adults (M = 19.75; SD = 1.11) using the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control, the Inventory of Health Behaviours, the Criteria of Health List and a student health survey. The chance of risky driving will increase by 50.7% among young adults as their understanding of health as a state increases. On the other hand, when young people feel that others are responsible for their lives, the likelihood of risky driving will drop by 6.4%. The hedonistic life orientation of a young adult had a significant impact on the results obtained which was connected with their understanding of health.

Understanding the acceptability, barriers and facilitators for chlamydia and gonorrhoea screening in technical colleges: qualitative process evaluation of the "Test n Treat" trial

Background

Low uptake of sexually transmitted infection testing by sexually active young people is a worldwide public health problem. Screening in non-medical settings has been suggested as a method to improve uptake. The “Test n Treat” feasibility trial offered free, on-site rapid chlamydia/gonorrhoea tests with same day treatment for chlamydia (and gonorrhoea treatment at a local clinic,) to sexually active students (median age 17 years) at six technical colleges in London. Despite high rates of chlamydia (6% prevalence), uptake of testing was low (< 15%). In a qualitative study we explored the acceptability, including barriers and facilitators to uptake, of on-site chlamydia screening.

Methods

In 2016–17 we conducted a qualitative study in the interpretative tradition using face to face or telephone semi-structured interviews with students (n = 26), teaching staff (n = 3) and field researchers (n = 4). Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.

Results

From the student perspective, feelings of embarrassment and the potential for stigma were deterrents to sexually transmitted infection testing. While the non-medical setting was viewed as mitigating against stigma, for some students volunteering to be screened exposed them to detrimental judgements by their peers. A small financial incentive to be screened was regarded as legitimising volunteering in a non-discrediting way. Staff and researchers confirmed these views. The very low level of knowledge about sexually transmitted infections influenced students to not view themselves as candidates for testing. There were also suggestions that some teenagers considered themselves invulnerable to sexually transmitted infections despite engaging in risky sexual behaviours. Students and researchers reported the strong influence peers had on uptake, or not, of sexually transmitted infection testing.

Conclusions

This study offers new insights into the acceptability of college-based sexually transmitted infection screening to young, multi-ethnic students. Future studies in similar high risk, hard to reach groups should consider linking testing with education about sexually transmitted infections, offering non stigmatising incentives and engaging peer influencers.

University students' behaviours towards accessing sexual health information and treatment

Globally, it is widely recognised that young people (those under the age of 25 years) are at a higher risk of developing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The majority of university students studying in the UK fall within this age bracket, and to help prevent such high incidence of STIs in this age group, it is essential that advice and treatment, if required, are obtained from reliable sources. This study sought to explore sources of sexual heath advice and treatment for students at Welsh universities (n = 3007). The main sources of advice were identified as the internet (49.1%) and GP/family doctors (38.9%), whilst local sexual health clinics (24.9%) and GP/family doctor services (20.2%) were the main sources for treatment in students. Males were more likely than females to report never needing advice (AOR 2.74; CI = 2.24-3.35) or requiring treatment (AOR 1.37; CI = 1.17-1.60). The apparent lack of engagement with these services by male students is a cause for concern, although one possible solution could be to further develop online methods to increase uptake of testing. Furthermore, the popularity of the internet for advice provides a timely reminder that regulation of online sexual health information is critical.

Risky sex behaviours among college students: The psychosocial profile

AIMS

Risky sex behaviours among college students are a growing public health concern. However, few studies have profiled these behaviours using a large range of psychosocial correlates.

METHODS

Participants were 6874 undergraduate and postgraduate students (64.7% female, age range 17-25 years, M = 20.43 years, SD = 1.86 years) drawn from 13 higher-level institutions in Ireland.

RESULTS

Regarding prevalence, 75% of the sample report that they have been, or are currently sexually active. Of this sexually active cohort (n = 5111), 27.2% report early sexual initiation, 29.5% report 5 or more lifetime sexual partners and 12.1% report 2 or more sexual partners in the past 3 months. In addition, 47.7% of students report inconsistent condom use and 39.5% report inconsistent use of other contraceptive methods in the past 3 months. Using multivariate logistic regression analyses, significant correlates of risky sex behaviour are identified across 5 groups of psychosocial predictors (demographic, sexuality and relationships, substance use, mental well-being and personal resources). Differences between males and females and between different sexual orientations are highlighted.

CONCLUSIONS

Suggestions are made for sexual education and intervention programs to specifically target subgroups of the student population.

Human papillomavirus prevalence and clinicopathological associations in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in the Lebanese population

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate for the first time the prevalence of human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in a Middle-Eastern population, and to determine associations between human papillomavirus profiles and clinicopathological characteristics.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients treated for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma at the Hotel Dieu de France University Hospital (Beirut, Lebanon) between January 2010 and 2016. Existing formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumour samples were analysed. Human papillomavirus DNA viral load and p16 expression were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry respectively.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (mean age of 60 years) were included. Twenty-seven per cent of patients were p16-positive/human papillomavirus DNA positive, 53 per cent were p16-negative/human papillomavirus DNA negative and 20 per cent were p16-positive/human papillomavirus DNA negative. Human papillomavirus 16 was the most frequent subtype (75 per cent). Smoking and alcohol consumption were significantly lower in the human papillomavirus positive group compared to the human papillomavirus negative group (p = 0.049 and 0.004, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Human papillomavirus rate was lower than reported rates in Western populations. Possible explanations include differences in social and cultural behaviours.

Comparison of Sexual Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior between Female Chinese College Students from Urban Areas and Rural Areas: A Hidden Challenge for HIV/AIDS Control in China

Currently, research in sexual behavior and awareness in female Chinese college students (FCCSs) is limited, particularly regarding the difference and the influencing factors between students from rural areas and urban areas. To fill the gap in available data, a cross-sectional study using anonymous questionnaires was conducted among 3193 female students from six universities located in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, China, from February to June, 2013. Of the 2669 respondents, 20.6% and 20.9% of the students from urban and rural areas, respectively, reported being sexually experienced. The proportion of students who received safe-sex education prior to entering university from rural areas (22.4%, 134/598) was lower (P < 0.0001) than the proportion from urban areas (41.8%, 865/2071). Sexual behavior has become increasingly common among FCCSs, including high-risk sexual behavior such as unprotected commercial sex. However, knowledge concerning human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) transmission and the risks is insufficient, particularly for those from rural areas, which is a challenge for HIV/AIDS control in China. The Chinese government should establish more specific HIV/AIDS prevention policies for Chinese young women, strengthen sex education, and continue to perform relevant research.

ATTITUDES TOWARDS AND PRACTICE OF SEXUALITY AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN LEBANON

Sexuality is still a taboo in Middle Eastern countries, and Lebanon is no exception. This study’s objective was to evaluate attitudes towards sexuality and its practice among university students in Lebanon and assess their respective correlates. The cross-sectional study was carried out among students selected from seventeen universities across Lebanon. The participants received a self-administered standardized questionnaire that assessed their attitudes towards sexuality. It included questions on socio-demographic factors, risk-taking, risky behaviours and sexuality-related questions. Among 3384 students, 2700 (79.8%) answered the questions on sexuality. Around 15% had engaged in sexual activity, while 20% were regularly sexually active. Among males, 34.8% had never had sexual activity, 29.9% had tried it and 35.3% were regularly sexually active. Among females the results were respectively 85.1%, 5.3% and 9.6% (p<0.001). Only 36% regularly used condoms during their relationships. A liberal attitude towards sex, male sex, motives for risky behaviours, current cigarette smoking and problematic alcohol consumption were associated with sexual activity. Realizing that risky behaviours are dangerous, health concerns related to sexual relationships and a liberal attitude towards sex were associated with regular condom use. However, being bothered by condoms and female sex were inversely associated with condom use. Finally, participants who had motives for, and those who felt excited about risky behaviours, and those reporting current cigarette and waterpipe smoking and problematic alcohol consumption (β=0.600; p=0.002) embraced a more liberal attitude towards sex. Conversely, females (β=−7.58; p<0.001) and individuals who considered risky behaviours as dangerous reported an unfavourable attitude towards sexuality. A substantial proportion of Lebanese university students have regular sexual activity, but a low percentage use condoms for protection. Interventions are required among males in particular in view of these attitude and behavioural changes towards sexuality.