Assessing University Students’ Knowledge and Perceptions of Sexually Transmitted Infections: Sources of Information, Risk Awareness, and Educational Implications

Nontando Makhaye; Nokukhanya Thembane; Ziningi Jaya

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i3.1563

Authors

Miss Nontando Makhaye Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa, Durban
Ms. Nokukhanya Thembane Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa, Durban
Ms. Ziningi Jaya Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa, Durban

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i3.1563

Keywords:

Sexually Transmitted Infections, Risk perception, University students, Gender differences, Health awareness

Abstract

Introduction
There are over 376 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) annually, with chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and human papillomavirus being the most common. Investigating STIs among university students is vital due to high-risk behaviour, characteristic of university students, which increases the risk of transmission along with their long-term health risk. This study aimed to examine the knowledge and perceptions about STIs and their prevalence among students at Mangosuthu University of Technology.

Method
A total of 284 students participated in this study. Data collection was conducted using electronic and paper-based surveys depending on participant preference. The survey comprised of questions focused on demographics and practices, evaluating on STI knowledge, and students’ perceived risk of infection with STIs. STI prevalence statistics were obtained from the university clinic.

Results

The majority of participants perceived their STI knowledge as either "Good" (44.37%) or "Excellent" (25%), with a small proportion rating their knowledge as "Scarce" (19.72%). Sources of information included the internet (35.56%), teachers (28.17%), and healthcare professionals (22.18%). In terms of risk awareness, most students perceived themselves at "Moderate" (42.9%) or "A lot" (37%) risk of contracting an STI. Notably, no statistically significant differences in STI knowledge were found across gender or age groups. More female students were treated for STIs than their male counterparts.

Conclusion
The findings emphasize the need for more targeted educational approaches, particularly gender-sensitive interventions, and underscore the importance of combining multiple educational sources, including formal curricula, peer education, and digital platforms, to improve STI knowledge and risk awareness.

Recommendations
Future studies should explore the intersection between self-perceived knowledge, actual awareness, and testing behaviours to better understand how STI education can be optimized for diverse student populations.

Author Biographies

Miss Nontando Makhaye, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa, Durban

is a student in the Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Science academic program at Mangosuthu University of Technology. She has specialized in Clinical Pathology. She has a strong work ethic and passion for lifelong learning and is dedicated to doing work that addresses healthcare needs in the community.

Ms. Nokukhanya Thembane, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa, Durban

is a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Technologist, Senior Lecturer and Researcher at Mangosuthu University of Technology and the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She specializes in Clinical Pathology, with a focus on therapeutic drug monitoring and drug discovery. Her work involves teaching and supervising students and conducting research to contribute to advancements in patient care in disenfranchised communities and medical laboratory science.

Ms. Ziningi Jaya, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa, Durban

is a qualified Medical Technology, lecturing and supervising student research in the Department of Biomedical Science at Mangosuthu University of Technology. Her research focuses on investigating diverse healthcare interventions for infectious diseases mainly to respond to diverse healthcare needs of people in surrounding communities.

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