1
|
Beyazgul B, Koruk F, Koruk I. Development of a scale for attitude toward sexually transmitted infections based on the Health Belief Model. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 298:42-48. [PMID: 38728840 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Determination of the attitudes of individuals toward sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also help identify barriers to health service-seeking behavior. Hence, this study aimed to develop a scale for determining the attitudes of individuals toward sexually transmitted diseases. STUDY DESIGN This was a methodological study. The Health Belief Model (HBM) framework was used to elucidate the perceptions and interpretations of illnesses among individuals. After reviewing the relevant literature, an item pool was created to include 4 dimensions (perceived susceptibility (A), perceived severity (B), perceived benefit (C), and perceived barriers and self-efficacy (D)) about sexually transmitted diseases from the perspective of HBM. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to evaluate the construct validity of the scale. Moreover, confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the suitability of the items in terms of factor structures. RESULTS The final version of the scale comprised 19 items and 4 subdimensions. The first subdimension of the scale accounted for 20.11% of the total variance, whereas the second, third, and fourth subdimensions accounted for 17.83%, 12.50%, and 8.75% of the total variance, respectively. Collectively, these four subdimensions accounted for 59.19% of the total variance. The Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient of the scale was found to be 0.74. CONCLUSIONS Briefly, the present study led to the development of a novel assessment tool, Attitude Toward Sexually Transmitted Infections Scale. Higher scores on the scale indicated higher likelihood of taking action for a possible STI treatment according to the HBM approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Beyazgul
- Harran University Faculty of Medicine Department of Public Health, Turkiye.
| | - Fatma Koruk
- Harran University Faculty of Health Sciences, Turkiye
| | - Ibrahim Koruk
- Harran University Faculty of Medicine Department of Public Health, Turkiye
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alshemeili A, Alhammadi A, Alhammadi A, Al Ali M, Alameeri ES, Abdullahi AS, Abu-Hamada B, Sheek-Hussein MM, Al-Rifai RH, Elbarazi I. Sexually transmitted diseases knowledge assessment and associated factors among university students in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1284288. [PMID: 38074733 PMCID: PMC10702243 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1284288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STDIs) remain a serious public health menace with over 350 million cases each year. Poor knowledge of STDIs has been identified as one of the bottlenecks in their control and prevention. Hence, assessment of knowledge, both general and domain-specific, is key to the prevention and control of these diseases. This study assessed the knowledge of STDIs and identified factors associated with STDI knowledge among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods This is a cross-sectional study among 778 UAE University students across all colleges. An online data collection tool was used to collect data regarding the participants' demographics and their level of knowledge of STDIs across different domains including general STDI pathogens knowledge (8 items), signs and symptoms (9 items), mode of transmission (5 items), and prevention (5 items). Knowledge was presented both as absolute and percentage scores. Differences in STDI knowledge were statistically assessed using Mann-Whitney U and Chi-squared tests. Logistic regression models were further used to identify factors associated with STDI knowledge. Results A total of 778 students participated in the study with a median age of 21 years (IQR = 19, 23). The overall median STDI knowledge score of the participants was 7 (out of 27), with some differences within STDI domains-signs & symptoms (1 out of 9), modes of transmission (2 out of 5), general STDI pathogens (2 out of 8), and prevention (1 out of 5). Higher STDI knowledge was significantly associated with being non-Emirati (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.24-2.75), being married (OR = 2.89, 95% CI = 1.50-5.56), residing in emirates other than Abu Dhabi (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.16-2.25), and being a student of health sciences (OR = 4.45, 95% CI = 3.07-6.45). Conclusion In general, STDI knowledge was low among the students. Having good knowledge of STDIs is essential for their prevention and control. Therefore, there is a need for informed interventions to address the knowledge gap among students, youths, and the general population at large.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Iffat Elbarazi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ventura-Miranda MI, Alcaraz-Córdoba A, Alcaraz-Córdoba T, Molina-Torres G, Fernandez-Medina IM, Ruíz-Fernández MD. Adolescents' Perceptions of Sexuality: A Qualitative Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2757. [PMID: 37893831 PMCID: PMC10606393 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11202757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescents have a greater risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which is a serious public health problem. Education is an effective strategy to improve adolescent sexual health outcomes. However, Spanish adolescents have a lack of sex education. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and opinions of a sample of adolescents regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Photovoice is a research method that uses the search for images of everyday events with the intention of bringing about social change. An exploratory, descriptive design was used with a qualitative approach based on the Photovoice methodology. The sample consisted of 26 high school and baccalaureate students of Almería (Spain) selected through a convenience sample. The age of the participants ranged from 14 to 17 years, with a mean age of 15.31 years. Two main categories were extracted from the data analysis: 'Towards a culture of preventing STIs and promoting healthy sexual practices' and 'Adolescents' needs from their perspective'. In conclusion, numerous changes take place at the biopsychosocial level during adolescence that imply a need to explore their sexuality in depth. A lack of knowledge and a carefree attitude during sexual initiation can increase the risk of developing STIs. The study's adolescents stated that they do not have adequate sex education to acquire sufficient knowledge about sexuality and sexual health, and therefore, request that the traditional format be modified in order to achieve better results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Isabel Ventura-Miranda
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.I.V.-M.); (T.A.-C.); (G.M.-T.); (I.M.F.-M.); (M.D.R.-F.)
| | - Andrea Alcaraz-Córdoba
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.I.V.-M.); (T.A.-C.); (G.M.-T.); (I.M.F.-M.); (M.D.R.-F.)
- Distrito Sanitario Almería, Servicio Andaluz de Salud, 04009 Almería, Spain
| | - Tania Alcaraz-Córdoba
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.I.V.-M.); (T.A.-C.); (G.M.-T.); (I.M.F.-M.); (M.D.R.-F.)
- Distrito Sanitario Almería, Servicio Andaluz de Salud, 04009 Almería, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Molina-Torres
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.I.V.-M.); (T.A.-C.); (G.M.-T.); (I.M.F.-M.); (M.D.R.-F.)
| | - Isabel María Fernandez-Medina
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.I.V.-M.); (T.A.-C.); (G.M.-T.); (I.M.F.-M.); (M.D.R.-F.)
| | - María Dolores Ruíz-Fernández
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.I.V.-M.); (T.A.-C.); (G.M.-T.); (I.M.F.-M.); (M.D.R.-F.)
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Providencia 7500912, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nyasani DK, Ondora OM, Lunani LL, Ombati GO, Mutisya EM, Mutua GN, Price MA, Osero JO. Sexually transmitted infection knowledge among men who have sex with men in Nairobi, Kenya. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281793. [PMID: 37683033 PMCID: PMC10490897 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) have been reported, but there is little research on their STI knowledge. Our study sought to determine participants' characteristics that contribute to either high or low STI knowledge among MSM in Nairobi, Kenya. METHODS We mobilized MSM aged ≥18 years from Nairobi into a cross-sectional study. To determine their understanding of STIs, a pre-tested structured questionnaire was administered. Knowledge score was generated by summing up the number of responses answered correctly by a participant. We dichotomized scores as "low" and "high", by splitting the group at <12 and ≥12 which was the mean. RESULTS A total of 404 participants were interviewed between March and August 2020. The mean age was 25.2 (SD = 6.4) years. Majority were single (80.4%) and Christians (84.2%). All participants had some formal education ranging from primary to tertiary; the majority (92.3%) had secondary education or more. Most (64.0%) were employed and their monthly income ranged from <50->150 USD. Almost all (98.5%) were Kenyans. Of the 404 (90.6%) self-identified as male and (47.5%) reported to be exclusively top partners. Many (39.9%) reported being versatile, while those reporting to be bottom partners were, (12.6%). The last 12 months, (55.4%) of the participants reported having sex with men only and (88.6%) reported to have had multiple sexual partners. Participants scored an average of 12.2, SD 4.5. Multivariable backward elimination logistic regression revealed that participants who had tertiary education (aOR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.32-0.77), a higher income (aOR = 0.40, 95% CI 0.22-0.75) and were engaging in vaginal sex (aOR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.25-2.78) predicted significantly higher odds of high knowledge in the final multivariable model. CONCLUSION Participant's knowledge level regarding STIs was low. We recommend health care workers to continue educating patients about STIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delvin Kwamboka Nyasani
- Kenyatta University Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Nairobi, Kenya
- KAVI Institute of Clinical Research, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Matt. A. Price
- IAVI, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Justus Osano Osero
- Kenyatta University Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Nairobi, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sleiman V, Obeid S, Sacre H, Salameh P, Hallit S, Hallit R. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Lebanese university students related to sexually transmitted diseases: a cross-sectional study. Croat Med J 2023; 64:213-221. [PMID: 37654033 PMCID: PMC10509678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To appraise Lebanese university students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in March and April 2020. A total of 402 students (67.9% women) from ten universities located in different Lebanese regions were recruited through convenient sampling. RESULTS Pursuing a major in non-health sciences compared with a major in health sciences (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=0.08) was significantly associated with lower odds of having better knowledge of STDs. Older age (aOR=1.09) was significantly associated with higher odds of having better knowledge of STDs. Having good vs poor knowledge (aOR=3.88) was significantly associated with higher odds of having favorable attitudes toward STDs, whereas pursuing a major in non-health sciences compared with a major in health sciences (aOR=0.28) was significantly associated with lower odds of having favorable attitudes toward STDs. Women compared with men (aOR=2.21) had higher odds of having healthier practices related to STDs. Attitude did not mediate the association between knowledge and practice. CONCLUSION Attitude did not significantly mediate the association between knowledge and practice. Therefore, educational programs and awareness campaigns should be implemented in secondary schools and among vulnerable non-medical students. Such efforts can help students identify the symptoms of STDs, seek medical attention, and make informed decisions to protect themselves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Souheil Hallit
- Souheil Hallit, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon,
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Koray MH, Adomah-Afari A, Punguyiri D, Naawa A. Knowledge of sexually transmitted infections among senior high school adolescents in the Wa Municipality of Ghana. GLOBAL HEALTH JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.glohj.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
|
7
|
Iwelunmor J, Ezechi O, Obiezu-Umeh C, Gbaja-Biamila T, Musa AZ, Nwaozuru U, Xian H, Oladele D, Airhihenbuwa CO, Muessig K, Rosenberg N, Conserve DF, Ong JJ, Nkengasong S, Day S, Tahlil KM, BeLue R, Mason S, Tang W, Ogedegbe G, Tucker JD. Enhancing HIV Self-Testing Among Nigerian Youth: Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of the 4 Youth by Youth Study Using Crowdsourced Youth-Led Strategies. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2022; 36:64-72. [PMID: 35147463 PMCID: PMC8861905 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2021.0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although HIV self-testing (HIVST) has expanded in many regions, a few HIVST services have been tailored for and organized by youth. Innovative HIVST models are needed to differentiate testing services and generate local demand for HIVST among youth. The current pilot study aimed at examining the feasibility and efficacy of crowdsourced youth-led strategies to enhance HIVST as well as sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. Teams of youth iteratively developed HIVST interventions using crowdsourcing approaches and apprenticeship training. Five interventions were selected and then evaluated among youth (ages 14-24) from September 2019 to March 2020. Given the similar outcomes and approaches, we present cumulative data from the completed interventions. We assessed HIVST uptake (self-report), STI uptake (facility reports for gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B, and chlamydia testing), and quality of youth participation. Mixed-effect logistic regression models estimated intervention effects at baseline and 6 months. Of the 388 youths enrolled, 25.3% were aged 14-19, 58.0% were male, and 54.1% had completed secondary education. We observed a significant increase in HIVST from 3 months compared with 6 months (20% vs. 90%; p < 0.001). Among those who received an HIVST at 3 months, 324 out of 388 were re-tested at 6 months. We also observed significant increases in testing for all four STIs: syphilis (5-48%), gonorrhea (5-43%), chlamydia (1-45%), and hepatitis B testing (14-55%) from baseline to the 6-month follow-up. Youth participation in the intervention was robust. Youth-led HIVST intervention approaches were feasible and resulted in increased HIV/STI test uptake. Further research on the effectiveness of these HIVST services is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Iwelunmor
- College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Oliver Ezechi
- Clinical Sciences Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Chisom Obiezu-Umeh
- College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Titilola Gbaja-Biamila
- College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- Clinical Sciences Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Adesola Z. Musa
- Clinical Sciences Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Ucheoma Nwaozuru
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hong Xian
- College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - David Oladele
- College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- Clinical Sciences Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Collins O. Airhihenbuwa
- Heath Policy and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kathryn Muessig
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nora Rosenberg
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Donaldson F. Conserve
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Jason J. Ong
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Nkengasong
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne Day
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kadija M. Tahlil
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rhonda BeLue
- College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Stacey Mason
- College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Weiming Tang
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gbenga Ogedegbe
- Center for Healthful Behavior Change, Division of Health and Behavior, Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joseph D. Tucker
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|