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PubMedDate not supplied

Sexual health knowledge of students at a high school in Nova Scotia.

PURPOSE: In the context of a community development project related to adolescent sexual health, this study was carried out at Amherst Regional High School (ARHS) in Amherst, Nova Scotia, to assess students' sexual health knowledge, gender differences in knowledge, and associations between knowledge and sexual behaviours. METHODS: A 29-item scale assessed knowledge in five areas of sexual health. Gender differences in correct responses to questions were compared. Overall knowledge scores were compared by gender, grade, and sexual activity, and tested for association with sexual behaviours. RESULTS: Of 796 students, 80% participated. Sexual health knowledge scores were highest for sexually active females. Higher score was associated with oral contraceptive use and later sexual debut. Knowledge was highest for HIV/AIDS. Students were insufficiently aware of their right to patient confidentiality. CONCLUSIONS: ARHS students lack knowledge in some sexual health areas. School programs should consider these findings, and work to improve school-based sexual health education.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Perceived knowledge and training needs in adolescent pregnancy prevention: results from a multidisciplinary survey.

OBJECTIVES: To examine health care professionals' knowledge and interest in training in adolescent pregnancy prevention and whether an association exists between perceived knowledge and interest in training. DESIGN: A cross-sectional mailed survey. PARTICIPANTS: Random, stratified sample design that identified 800 psychologists, 800 social workers, 1,000 nurses, and 400 pediatricians from national professional membership lists. Response rate to the mailed survey was 51%. After removing respondents who did not currently work with adolescents, 1,242 surveys (41%) were available for analyses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Descriptive analyses were conducted on self-report data concerning perceived knowledge and interest in training about adolescent pregnancy prevention separately for each of the 4 disciplines. Within disciplines, perceived knowledge and interest in training were correlated for each of 3 content areas (ie, sex education and contraceptive counseling, adolescent pregnancy, and counseling after a negative pregnancy test) and for a summary measure of the content areas. RESULTS: Less than half of the nursing, pediatrics, psychology, and social work professionals reported high perceived knowledge in the 3 content areas. Psychologists and social workers reported the lowest perceived knowledge. However, with the exception of psychologists, more than two thirds of the other respondents reported moderate or high interest in training in the 3 content areas. Interest in training was not strongly correlated with perceived knowledge within any discipline. CONCLUSIONS: The need to integrate psychosocial components into adolescent health care is a core assumption in the field, yet these data indicate that psychologists and social workers perceive low levels of knowledge and interest in training. These disciplines may benefit from more targeted professional training about their role in preventing adolescent pregnancy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Development of a measure of knowledge and attitudes about obstructive sleep apnea in children (OSAKA-KIDS).

BACKGROUND: Primary care physicians play an important role in screening for childhood obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) that, if untreated, can result in serious complications. OBJECTIVE: To describe the development of the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Knowledge and Attitudes in Children (OSAKA-KIDS) questionnaire for use in measuring physicians' knowledge and attitudes about childhood OSAS and its treatment. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey to pilot administration of the 23-item OSAKA-KIDS questionnaire, mailed to 1195 community- and academic-based physicians in Louisville, Ky; Philadelphia, Pa; and St Louis, Mo. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Analysis of variance measured differences in knowledge and attitudes between academic- and community-based physicians and between pediatricians and family practitioners. Using stepwise multiple linear regression, we analyzed the associations between various predictors (including specialty, practice setting, and years since medical school graduation) and each item of knowledge and attitudes. All tests were 2-tailed. RESULTS: Questionnaires for 497 respondents (44% female; mean [SD] age, 45.7 [10.5] years; and mean [SD] number of years since medical school graduation, 18.7 [11.0] years) were analyzed. The mean (SD) knowledge score (percentage of 18 possible) was 69.6% (14.6%). In regression analyses, more knowledge was associated with more positive attitudes overall and more recent graduation from medical school; having a more positive attitude was associated with having completed a pediatrics residency and more knowledge about OSAS. CONCLUSIONS: Deficits in basic knowledge about childhood OSAS were observed regardless of physician practice setting and specialty training. More education focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of childhood OSAS and identifying children at risk for OSAS is recommended.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1997

A comparison of qualitative and quantitative research methods used to assess knowledge of foot care among people with diabetes.

Many diabetes-related pathologies, especially among neuropathic patients, are potentially avoidable. Prevention, however, requires appropriate knowledge and understanding. To assess our ability to effect change in behaviour we need adequate tools to measure not only knowledge but also understanding and change of behaviour. To assess individuals' knowledge and beliefs towards diabetic footcare, we used both quantitative and qualitative methods: a structured questionnaire composed of 20 questions was completed by the respondent, followed by a semi-structured interview conducted by the chiropodist. Results from the structured questionnaire were inconsistent with those from the interviews (Wilcoxon test, p < 0.008). The former demonstrated an average knowledge score of 45% while performance during the interview generated data which suggested poorer knowledge levels. Respondents who correctly identified a series of statements regarding diabetic footcare within the questionnaire could not then apply this knowledge meaningfully when interviewed. A structured questionnaire may not be the best means of assessing patients' knowledge and understanding. We need not only to improve patient education regarding footcare, but also to improve our means of measuring patient knowledge and understanding, more accurately to assess the success or otherwise of our interventions.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Knowledge of Down syndrome in pregnant women from different ethnic groups.

The uptake of any screening test is influenced by knowledge of the condition being screened for. In the present study, the knowledge and the source of knowledge of women offered antenatal screening for Down syndrome (DS) was assessed by means of a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered to 300 consecutive women booking for antenatal care, of the 245 (82%) women who completed and returned the questionnaire, 117 (48%) were Caucasian, 85 (35%) were Asian born outside the UK, 32 (13%) were Asian born in the UK and ten (4%) belonged to other categories. Only 30% of the cohort had a good understanding of the condition. Racial groups other than Caucasian had a poorer understanding of DS. The factors which affected knowledge of DS included quality of spoken English, knowing an affected child, parity and religion. The most significant factor affecting acceptance of screening was the woman's knowledge of DS. The source of information for the condition varied widely: 42% from a general practitioners (GP), 24% from the hospital and 16% from midwives. The proportion with good knowledge was similar in those women whose source of information was the GP (45%) and the midwife (41%). These proportions were, however, higher (though not significantly) when the source of information was from magazines and newspapers (67%) and from friends (53%). Uptake of the screening test was best in those with good knowledge (53%) compared to those with poor knowledge (23%) (p<0.02). Between 28% and 66% (depending on the ethnic group) of women had a screening blood test "allegedly" without knowing why it had been performed. In order to improve uptake of the screening test for DS there is need for better education and counselling of women attending for antenatal care.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Lost in knowledge translation: time for a map?

There is confusion and misunderstanding about the concepts of knowledge translation, knowledge transfer, knowledge exchange, research utilization, implementation, diffusion, and dissemination. We review the terms and definitions used to describe the concept of moving knowledge into action. We also offer a conceptual framework for thinking about the process and integrate the roles of knowledge creation and knowledge application. The implications of knowledge translation for continuing education in the health professions include the need to base continuing education on the best available knowledge, the use of educational and other transfer strategies that are known to be effective, and the value of learning about planned-action theories to be better able to understand and influence change in practice settings.

Education, Continuing↗
PubMed2002

The diagnosis of osteoporosis: attitudes and knowledge of Israeli physicians.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Osteoporosis is the most common human bone disease. Although proper diagnosis may minimize injury and disability, this depends to a great extent on the knowledge and attitudes of physicians. The aim of the present study was to assess physicians' attitudes, knowledge and practice regarding the diagnosis of osteoporosis. METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed to 1900 Israeli physicians addressing their knowledge and attitudes about osteoporosis and its diagnosis, and their perceptions regarding the cost-effectiveness of different diagnostic methods. RESULTS: Answers were received from 19% of the physicians. The majority of the respondents supported screening for osteoporosis, especially in high-risk women. Overall, the participants had good knowledge about the definition of osteoporosis and its risk factors, but poor knowledge about its prevalence. Female physicians had better knowledge and stronger attitudes than male physicians. Similarly, younger and less experienced physicians showed better knowledge. The majority of the participants reported being familiar with, and using all types of clinical methods. They also perceived these methods as highly cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of the present study stress the need to extend the knowledge of physicians regarding diagnosis of osteoporosis and the research aimed at understanding their attitudes.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Factors affecting diabetes knowledge in Type 2 diabetic veterans.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: To describe the clinical, psychological and social factors affecting diabetes knowledge of veterans with established Type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We conducted an observational study of 284 insulin-treated veterans with stable Type 2 diabetes. All subjects completed the University of Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Centre Knowledge Test, the Diabetes Care Profile, the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Geriatric Depression Scale, and the Diabetes Family Behaviour Checklist. Stepwise multiple linear regression was used to develop a model for the diabetes knowledge score based upon clinical and psychosocial variables. RESULTS: One hundred eighty subjects were evaluated in a derivation set. The mean age +/- SD was 65.4+/-9.6 years, 94% were men, and 36% were members of a minority group. Performance on the diabetes knowledge test was poor (64.9+/-15.3% correct). Self-perceived understanding of all management objectives explained only 6% of the variance in the knowledge scores. Multivariate analysis showed that age, years of schooling, duration of treatment, cognitive function, sex, and level of depression were independent determinants of the knowledge score. When the model was applied to 104 subjects in a validation set, there was a strong correlation between observed and predicted scores (r=0.537; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Stable, insulin-treated veterans have major deficiencies in diabetes knowledge that could impair their ability to provide self-care. A multivariate model comprised of demographic variables and psychosocial profiling can identify patients who have limited diabetes knowledge and be used to assess individual barriers to ongoing diabetes education.

Body Weight↗
PubMed1997

Asthma education for Swedish primary care physicians--a study on the effects of "academic detailing" on practice and patient knowledge.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of an intervention on general practitioners' (GPs) knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of asthma, including the prescribing of anti-asthmatic drugs, and asthmatic patients' knowledge about their disease. METHODS: The study took place in the south-west region of Stockholm County. In the area where the intervention took place (area 1), 44 GPs at 21 health centres were visited by a clinical pharmacologist and a pharmacist presenting oral and written information. The basic messages were: (1) the central role of inhaled glucocorticoids; (2) the use of peak expiratory flow (PEF) meters; and (3) the use of reversibility tests. In the control area (area 2), there were 19 GPs at nine health centres. The GPs knowledge about the intervention message was evaluated by a questionnaire pre- and post-intervention. The ratios of prescribed inhaled be beta-adrenoceptor agonists to inhaled glucocorticoids were determined. At the 26 local pharmacies, all asthmatic patients who presented a prescription for anti-asthmatic drugs, issued at the 30 health centres, were given a questionnaire before and after the intervention regarding their knowledge of asthma and its treatment. RESULTS: GPs in area 1 showed significantly more knowledge about item numbers 2 and 3 in the above-described intervention message than did the GPs in the control area 2. The data on prescriptions showed lower ratios of beta-adrenoceptor agonists to glucocorticoids in area 1 than in area 2. The difference, however, between area 1 and area 2 was not significant. After the GP intervention, the patients' knowledge about asthma had increased in area 1, as assessed by the questionnaire filled in by the patients. However, there was no significant difference from that in area 2. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows differences between the intervention and control areas regarding the knowledge and practice of GPs after the intervention. We found changes in knowledge, attitudes and actual practice, the latter being measured by the prescriptions.

Asthma↗
PubMed2005

Knowledge and acceptance of hypertension guidelines in clinical practice: experience from Slovenia.

BACKGROUND: Arterial hypertension, which is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is mainly treated by general practitioners. The initial step in an optimal therapeutic strategy for patients with arterial hypertension is the recognition and acceptance of hypertension guidelines by the physicians themselves. AIMS: To find out how well Slovene general practitioners know the current hypertension guidelines and to what extent they accept them. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Knowledge of current recommendations in hypertension diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and special indications was assessed for 813 general practitioners in Slovenia using a questionnaire. The Slovene National Guidelines were taken as the reference standard. Adequate knowledge of the guidelines' recommendations was defined as correct answers to at least seven out of eleven items; the correct answers had to include the appropriate target blood pressure, the elements of the "minimal diagnostic program" in hypertension and the correct estimation of cardiovascular risk. Acceptance of the guidelines was estimated on a five-grade scale: 5 meaning very useful, 1 meaning useless. RESULTS: A total of 321 questionnaires were suitable for analysis from 327 that were returned (a response rate of 40.2%). The mean number of correct answers was 7.8 (SD, 1.8, range, 4-11), but only 124 (38.8%) of the participating physicians answered the three key questions correctly. The physicians who answered the key questions correctly also answered more of the other questions correctly (6.1 vs. 5.4, p < 0.001). Adequate knowledge of the guidelines was found in 116 (36.8%) of the total study population; mean score for acceptance on the five-grade scale was 4.25. Knowledge of the guidelines was influenced by the physicians' acceptance of the guidelines' recommendations (p = 0.024). No other characteristics of physicians or organizational factors influencing knowledge of the guidelines were identified. Most of the participating physicians (72%) were willing to attend a workshop on managing hypertension and there was no connection between knowledge of the guidelines and willingness to attend the workshop. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the hypertension guidelines among Slovene general practitioners is limited, and is comparable to the results of similar studies. The physicians' acceptance of the guidelines is high and correlates with their knowledge of the guidelines. A workshop is an accepted form of continuing medical education among general practitioners.

Family Practice↗
PubMed2005

Gender, body mass index and socio-demographic variables associated with knowledge about type 2 diabetes mellitus among 13,293 Mexican students.

The main aim of this study was to evaluate correlates of the knowledge Mexican young people have about type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) risk and prevention. We developed a cross-sectional study in public schools in Morelos, in central Mexico during 1998-1999 in 13,293 students (11-24 years). We determined body mass index (BMI) with anthropometric measurements (height and weight). Using questionnaire data, we constructed a DM knowledge-based scale. Statistical analysis was done using an ordinal, logistic regression model. Only 1.6% of the students (95%CI = 1.4-1.8) had high DM knowledge levels; 85.6% (95%CI = 84.9-86.1) had low levels. The factors with the strongest associations with high levels of knowledge about type 2 DM among the Mexican students in this study were: being in high school or at university (vs. junior high), urban residence, higher socio-economic level, and BMI indicating overweight or obesity. Other socio-demographic factors correlated with high levels of knowledge about the disease, but with slightly weaker associations, included female gender, higher age, higher academic achievement (grades) and higher education level of the student's mother. While young men who were overweight or obese were 2.6 and 3.4 times more likely to have high levels of knowledge about DM (95%CI = 1.9-3.6 and 2.1-5.5, respectively), young women who were overweight or obese were only 1.4 and 1.1 times more likely to have high knowledge about DM (95%CI = 1.0-1.9 and 0.6-1.8, respectively). Mexican young people have limited knowledge about DM, although this chronic disease is increasingly common in Mexico as in many other countries.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Correlates of AIDS knowledge in samples of the general population.

Eighty studies presenting original research are reviewed to explore the correlates of AIDS knowledge in samples of the general population. Results from these studies indicate that being highly educated, young or white increases the chances of being knowledgeable about AIDS and that a relationship exists between strong religious beliefs or conservative political convictions and low AIDS knowledge. Other social or demographic variables appear to have little effect on AIDS knowledge. Evidence from these studies is divided between findings indicating no association and those showing some relationship between low AIDS knowledge and high level of concern. Restrictive attitudes toward persons with AIDS are associated with low level of knowledge. The literature examining the correlates of AIDS knowledge in samples of the general population is characterized by an abundance of studies with small convenience samples of adolescents or students. Larger and more representative samples of the general population tend to confirm the results of the less methodologically sound convenience samples. However, future studies should take into account potential confounders when examining the relation between knowledge and explanatory variables to assess the nature and reliability of purported associations.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2005

Patient knowledge and perceptions of atrial fibrillation and anticoagulant therapy: effects of an educational intervention programme. The West Birmingham Atrial Fibrillation Project.

OBJECTIVE: Previous research has demonstrated that patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) possess very little knowledge of their disease, the consequences of AF and the benefits/risks of anti-coagulant therapy. The aim of this pilot study was to examine patient's knowledge and perceptions of AF and their anticoagulant treatment before and after a brief educational intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-three patients (47 male; mean (S.D.) age 67.3 (11.6) years) completed the baseline interview to assess their knowledge and perceptions of AF. All patients were given an information booklet which explained what AF was, associated symptoms, the possible causes and consequences of AF, treatment options and their benefits/risks, what the INR is and what factors may effect it. The booklet was explained to each patient by the researcher and given to the patient to take away for reference. Thirty-three (35.5%) patients (12 men; mean (S.D.) age 68.0 (13.6) years) completed the follow-up assessment to re-assess their knowledge and perceptions of AF. RESULTS: Only 49% of patients could name their cardiac condition at baseline, although the majority were aware that AF was an arrhythmia (80% baseline vs. 91% follow-up). Only about half the patients perceived AF as a serious condition or were aware that AF predisposes to thromboembolism at baseline. Following the educational intervention there was a non-significant increase in patient knowledge of the risks associated with AF. Of those who completed both questionnaires, 52% were aware that anticoagulants prevented blood clots, which increased to 70% post-intervention. However, few patients were aware of the benefit of stroke prevention associated with anticoagulants at baseline (21%) or after the educational intervention (27%). The intervention had little effect on increasing awareness of the bleeding risks associated with anticoagulants, although three in five people appeared to appreciate these risks. However, the educational intervention significantly improved patient's knowledge of the target INR range and factors that may affect INR levels (p=0.001 and p=0.014, respectively) for those who completed both questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with AF possess very limited knowledge about their cardiac condition, its consequences, and how anticoagulant treatment can benefit them. This pilot study has demonstrated that a brief educational intervention with an information booklet can help to somewhat improve their knowledge about anticoagulation therapy for AF.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Quality of life and diabetes knowledge of young persons with type 1 diabetes: Influence of treatment modalities and demographics.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this descriptive study was to assess the perception of quality of life and diabetes knowledge among young persons with type 1 diabetes. The secondary objectives were to examine the influence of treatment modality (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion vs multiple daily injections) and demographics on quality of life and diabetes knowledge of these young persons and to determine the associations between the study variables. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Participants aged 9 to 17 years (n=103) completed the diabetes-specific measure of quality of life and a diabetes knowledge test. Parents of these young persons completed a history questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, independent t tests, and Pearson's correlations were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Overall, diabetes-specific measure of quality-of-life scores indicated good quality of life among the study population. Mean scores on the impact, worry, and satisfaction subscales did not indicate negative perceptions of the disease. Body mass index was significantly inversely correlated with the satisfaction scale ( r =-0.247, P =.023). Self-rated health was negatively correlated with the impact ( r =-0.221, P =.038) and worry scale ( r =-0.294, P =.004) and positively correlated with the satisfaction scale ( r =0.291, P =.004). Seventy-two percent correct responses were given on the diabetes knowledge test. Knowledge was significantly correlated to diabetes diagnosis age ( r =0.276, P =.009) and current age ( r =0.453, P =.0005). No significant differences were observed between participants using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion vs multiple daily injections in regard to diabetes-specific measure of quality of life and diabetes knowledge test. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, young persons with type 1 diabetes had a positive perception of their quality of life and above-average diabetes knowledge, which were influenced by several factors, such as self-rated health, body mass index, and age at diagnosis. Dietetics professionals should assess perceived quality of life and knowledge among young persons with type 1 diabetes because these factors can potentially influence disease management and treatment compliance.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

A GIS-based protocol for the collection and use of local knowledge in fisheries management planning.

Despite a heavy reliance on scientific knowledge as the primary source of information in resource management, many resources are in decline, particularly in fisheries. To try and combat this trend, researchers have drawn upon the knowledge of local resource users as an important supplement to scientific knowledge in designing and implementing management strategies. The integration of local knowledge with scientific knowledge for marine species management, however, is problematic stemming primarily from conflicting data types. This paper considers the use of spatial information technology as a medium to integrate and visualise spatial distributions of both quantitative scientific data and qualitative local knowledge for the purposes of producing valid and locally relevant fisheries management plans. In this context, the paper presents a detailed protocol for the collection and subsequent use of local knowledge in fisheries management planning using geographic information systems (GIS). Particular attention is paid to the use of local knowledge in resource management, accuracy issues associated with the incorporation of qualitative data into a quantitative environment, base map selection and construction, and map bias or errors associated with the accuracy of recording harvest locations on paper map sheets, given the complications of map scale.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

To know that we know what we know: perceived knowledge and adolescent sexual risk behavior.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between perceived knowledge about sex and adolescent sexual behaviors. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of the 2001 Minnesota Student Survey. Bivariate and multivariate relationships between perceived knowledge about sex and sexual behaviors were examined. SETTING: Minnesota. PARTICIPANTS: 83,481 9(th) and 12(th) grade public school students. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Students' report of sexual experience and sexual behaviors. RESULTS: Students with low perceived knowledge were less likely to be sexually experienced (OR=0.22, CI=0.17-0.29, females, OR=0.70, CI=0.59-0.82, males, P=0.00). Among sexually active students, those with low perceived knowledge also had significantly higher odds of engaging in risky sexual behaviors. Sexually experienced females with low perceived knowledge were more likely to report not talking with their partners about STIs (OR=1.83, CI=1.1-3.16, P=0.02), a history of pregnancy (OR=2.87, CI=1.59-5.18, P=0.00), and had higher numbers of male (P=0.03) and female (P=0.00) sexual partners. Sexually experienced males with low perceived knowledge were more likely to report not talking with their partners about pregnancy (OR=1.43, CI=1.11-1.84, P=0.01), pregnancy involvement (OR=2.22, CI=1.65-2.95, P=0.00), inconsistent use of birth control (OR=1.30, CI= 1.01-1.68, P=0.04), inconsistent use of condoms (OR=1.79, CI=1.38-2.32, P=0.00), not using a condom at last intercourse (OR=1.58, CI=1.22-2.04, P=0.00), and had a higher numbers of male (P=0.00) and female (P=0.00) sexual partners. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived knowledge may be a salient antecedent of adolescent sexual risk behavior. Health care providers and programs should incorporate the construct of perceived knowledge into their assessments of and interventions targeted at adolescents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Knowledge of cervical dysplasia and human papillomavirus among women seen in a colposcopy clinic.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate knowledge of cervical dysplasia and human papillomavirus (HPV) among women seen in a colposcopy clinic. STUDY DESIGN: Demographics, knowledge, and psychological distress were assessed in structured interviews with 175 women before, during, and after colposcopy. RESULTS: Respondents had low knowledge scores before and after colposcopy; however, their overall knowledge improved slightly (P = 0.013) following the exam. When responses were examined by question, respondents demonstrated a significant increase of correct answers to only one question: Does dysplasia, or precancerous cells on the cervix, always go away without treatment? Pre-exam knowledge was positively associated with educational level and was lower among Hispanics and patients recruited at the clinic. Post-exam knowledge was positively associated with pre-exam knowledge and educational level. CONCLUSION: Routine clinical education during colposcopy can improve patients' understanding of cervical cancer; however, the low level of knowledge that persisted after colposcopy is a cause for concern.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Does knowledge about sexually transmitted infections increase the likelihood of consistent condom use?

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the association between knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and consistent condom use among university students controlling for selected socio-demographic factors. METHOD: An anonymous questionnaire survey was carried out among 720 undergraduate students (76% women) at the University of Tirana, Albania, in October-November 2002. The questionnaire included socio-demographic data, 10 multiple-choice test questions on knowledge about STIs, sexual activity and use of condoms. Two hundred seventy-nine students reported having sexual experience and provided data on condom use as well as knowledge about STIs. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the "independent" association between knowledge about STIs and condom use. RESULTS: In multivariable models, there was an overall association of knowledge about STIs with consistent condom use (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.37-2.23, P < 0.001). There was evidence for an interaction between knowledge and parental education (P = 0.04): there was a positive association among students with highly educated parents (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.11-1.99, P = 0.01), and particularly so among students with low-and-middle educated parents (OR = 4.75, 95% CI = 2.03-11.08, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about STIs is an independent predictor of consistent condom use among university students. Augmentation of knowledge per se should be a component of school-based prevention programs along with the intensification of efforts toward improving students' sexual practices.

Adolescent↗