Knowledge and Attitudes of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among High School Students in Sarajevo

Abstract

Objective. The aim of the study was to evaluate knowledge and behavioural risks related to sexually transmitted infection (STIs) among high school students.

Methods. The cross sectional study was conducted among students aged 15-18 years old from two high schools in the Sarajevo Canton in the period from October 2017 to March 2018. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was used. The survey investigated their socio-demographic characteristics, sexual habits and level of knowledge about STIs. The data were analysed using SPSS version 25 and MS Excel 2016.

Results. In total 278 high school students participated in the study, with a mean age of 17.79±1.026 years, of which 89 (32%) were male, and 189 (68%) were female. There was no significant difference in age in relation to sex distribution (P=0.074). Regarding the number of participants, 234 (84.2%) were from the dental school, while 44 (15.8%) were from a gimnazija (grammar high school). There was no significant difference in gender-based distribution by school (P=0.080). Students from the grammar high school had significantly better knowledge about the impact of STI on the foetus (P=0.025) and infected individuals (P=0.001), also about the impact of STI on sterility (P=0.005).

Conclusion. Our study confirmed the need for implementation of sexual education programs in the final grades of elementary school or in first grades of high school, aimed at improving knowledge of sexually transmitted infections and improving sexual and reproductive health.