Level of knowledge about sexually transmitted infections among university students in Itauguá, Paraguay
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17795331Keywords:
Sexually transmitted infections, Knowledge, Students, Sexual health, ParaguayAbstract
Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a significant global public health challenge, disproportionately affecting young people. Higher education offers a critical window to reinforce preventive knowledge and modify risk behaviors.
Objective: To determine the level of knowledge about sexually transmitted infections among students at Universidad del Norte, Itauguá campus, during 2023.
Materials and Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted. The sample comprised 100 students selected during a health fair who answered a structured questionnaire on transmission mechanisms, prevention and characteristics of the main STIs. Ethical principles of confidentiality and autonomy were respected.
Results: The study population was mostly young (82% aged 17–26) and female (54%). High knowledge of HIV was evident (100% recognized the sexual route) and of condom use (98%). However, significant gaps were found for other diseases: only 24% correctly identified chlamydia as an STI and 50% were unaware of the HPV–cancer link. Myths about transmission without ejaculation persisted in 74% of the sample.
Conclusions: Although HIV knowledge is adequate, lack of knowledge about other prevalent STIs and misconceptions about transmission suggest an urgent need for comprehensive, continuous sexual education in the university setting.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Elizabeth Isidre, Alicia Rolón, José Ferreira, Oliver Aquino, Silvia Sánchez Flecha (Autor/a)
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