[Level of knowledge about sexually transmitted infections in the population of female students at the University of Novi Sad].

Abstract

The reason for extremely high incidence of sexually transmitted inflections is the lack of necessary knowledge about the mode of transmission and protection measures. The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge about sexually transmitted infections in the population of female students of the University of Novi Sad. The study included 397 female students at the University of Novi Sad from different faculties. A questionnaire was designed for the purpose of this research. Students from all faculties (55.7-66.7%), with the exception of the medical students, believe that the use of condoms is the safest way of protection from sexually transmitted infections. The medical students showed a different attitude and opinion on the use of condoms and avoidance of multiple sexual partners, which are important measures in the prevention of these diseases (38.8%). The fact that some sexually transmitted infections caused by viruses are associated with the malignancy of the cervix was recognized by 74.81% of students. The fact that the main therapeutic approach for treatment of sexually transmitted diseases is the simultaneous treatment of both partners was known by 81.86% of female students. As it is known, sexually transmitted infections may not always be symptomatic, which is an opinion held by 73.55% of students. Results obtained in this study indicate the need for implementation of educational activities about sexually transmitted infections, which would enable the preservation and promotion of reproductive health of young people.