A study to find the awareness level regarding prevention and control of sexually transmitted diseases among university students of Panjab university, Chandigarh, India

Authors

  • Aditi Sharma Centre for Public Health, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
  • N. K. Goel Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh, India
  • Savita Prashar Centre for Public Health, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
  • Kshitij Choudhary Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Haldwani, Uttrakhand, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20213537

Keywords:

Sexually transmitted diseases, Awareness, Prevention, Students, Unprotected sex

Abstract

Background: Sexually transmitted diseases remain a significant issue among the young people. In order to implement effective preventive measures, awareness of the comorbid conditions and causation of STDs, as well as sexual behaviour, among vulnerable young people, such as university students, must be established. The objective of the study was to assess the awareness level of students regarding prevention and control of STDs.

Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted at Panjab University situated in Chandigarh, India between February and August 2020. Purposive sampling was used to recruit students. Data was collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. The nature of the data was quantitative and was analyzed through SPSS version 20.

Results: A total of 211 (female/male:51.7%/48.3%, mean age: 22.5 years) respondents were enrolled. The awareness regarding the safe sex practices was very high (98.1%). 99.1% respondents were aware of HIV and AIDS, 65.4% respondents who were aware of hepatitis B and 55% respondents who were aware of Gonorrhoea and Syphilis. To prevent STDs 86.3% respondents were aware of condom, 72% respondents were aware to avoid unprotected sex and 19.9% respondents knew of abstinence.

Conclusions: Condoms awareness is still lacking in students. Consequently, it puts them at a higher risk of STDs. Such data can be used to strengthen ongoing STDs prevention efforts in India aimed at reducing STDs in young adults.

Author Biographies

N. K. Goel, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh, India

Professor and Head of Department

Savita Prashar, Centre for Public Health, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India

Coordinator

Kshitij Choudhary, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Haldwani, Uttrakhand, India

Assistant Professor

References

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National family health survey (NFHS-4), Ministry of health and family welfare, India, 2015-16. Available at: http://rchiips.org/nfhs/NFHS-4Reports/India.pdf. Accessed on 17 August 2020.

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Published

2021-08-27

How to Cite

Sharma, A., Goel, N. K., Prashar, S., & Choudhary, K. (2021). A study to find the awareness level regarding prevention and control of sexually transmitted diseases among university students of Panjab university, Chandigarh, India. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 8(9), 4362–4365. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20213537

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Original Research Articles