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.


METHODS
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.
Burazeri
Genc
G
Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania. gburazeri@yahoo.com
Roshi
Enver
E
Tavanxhi
Nertila
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000415:Albania; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities