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

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.