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Croatian Medical Journal, Vol. 64 No. 4, 2023.

Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.3325/cmj.2023.64.213

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Lebanese university students related to sexually transmitted diseases: a cross-sectional study

Vanessa Sleiman ; School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
Sahar Obeid ; Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
Hala Sacre ; INSPECT-LB, National Institute of Public Health, Clinical Epidemiology and ToxicologyLebanon, Beirut, Lebanon
Pascale Salameh ; INSPECT-LB, National Institute of Public Health, Clinical Epidemiology and ToxicologyLebanon, Beirut, Lebanon
Souheil Hallit ; School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon *
Rabih Hallit ; School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon

* Corresponding author.

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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.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

331546

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/331546

Publication date:

31.8.2023.

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