Awareness and Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections and its Associated Factors among Clinically Suspected Cases Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) include a range of clinical syndromes that may be acquired/transmitted from one individual to another through sexual activity. This study aimed to determine the awareness and knowledge of sexually transmitted infections and its associated factors among clinically suspected cases. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was used among 194 STIs patients between aged 15 to 60 years from a tertiary care hospital during August 2022 to March 2023. Data were collected through self-administered structured schedule. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with awareness and knowledge of STIs. Results: The proportion of respondents with good awareness and knowledge about STIs was 62% and 50% respectively. Respondents with poor awareness and poor knowledge of STIs were found to be more likely to engage in informal treatment care (AOR = 7.39, 95% CI [2.14-25.52] P = 0.002),) and (AOR = 1.21, 95% CI [1.34-4.30], P = 0.021). Place of residence, educational status, occupation, type of treatment care was found to be significantly associated with awareness of STIs and type of treatment care, referral status, delay in seeking treatment were found to be significantly associated with knowledge of STIs. Conclusion: The current findings show that the knowledge level on STIs has slightly increased compared to previous studies, but it was still unsatisfactory. The existing education programs in the country should be enhanced, by conveying more information on STIs. © 2024 Tehran University of Medical Sciences.