Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Saudi Women: Knowledge and Misconceptions

Abstract

The rate of sexually transmitted diseases is increasing globally. Thus, this study aimed to examine the Al akami female community’s knowledge about the nature of sexually transmitted diseases and their associated factors. The STDs-Knowledge Questionnaire (STDs-KQ) was utilized to collect data from the female community (355) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The data were analyzed using JMP Statistics for Windows, version 15. The significance level was set at 0.05. The study reported that participants had a relatively low understanding of STDs in acquisition, protection, prevention, and clinical signs and symptoms; only 33 (9%) had high knowledge scores (10–18), while 70% thought one virus caused all forms of STDs. Also, only 15% of the respondents knew the clinical features of the Chlamydia infection, and 18% identified the correct mode of its transmission. Also, older participants with clinical exposure had a higher knowledge score than young and single females, p < 0.05. A positive correlation between age and knowledge score was reported, r (354) = 0.339, p < 0.0001. The low knowledge scores were associated with marital status, age, and clinical exposure. Practical strategies to minimize literacy toward sexual education and increase the quality of sexual life must be promoted by educators and the academic curriculum

Prevalence and determinants of not testing for HIV among young adult women in Papua New Guinea: findings from the Demographic and Health Survey, 2016–2018

“…In this study, participants who had no STIs in the last 12 months were likely not to have ever been tested for HIV. Studies have shown that understanding STIs in terms of acquisition, protection, prevention, and clinical signs and symptoms are limited among young people 68. Poor knowledge about STI screening and services could be one possible explanation for young women not knowing their STI statuses in this study.…”

“…Studies have shown that understanding STIs in terms of acquisition, protection, prevention, and clinical signs and symptoms are limited among young people. 68 Poor knowledge about STI screening and services could be one possible explanation for young women not knowing their STI statuses in this study. Lack of STI information and screening services, acceptability of services, fear of positive test results, fear of invasive procedures, self-consciousness of genital examination, anticipated stigma and confidentiality concerns have been found to impede STI screening uptake among young people.…”

Prevalence and determinants of not testing for HIV among young adult women in Papua New Guinea: findings from the 2016–2018 Demographic and Health Survey

“…Studies have shown that understanding of STIs in terms of acquisition, protection, prevention, and clinical signs and symptoms is low among young people. 61 Also, a lack of knowledge about STI screening and services could be one possible explanation for young women not knowing their STI statuses. There is growing evidence that lack of STI information and screening services, acceptability of services, fear of positive test results, fear of invasive procedures, the self-consciousness of genital examination, anticipated stigma, and confidentiality concerns are barriers to STI screening among young people.…”