[Adolescents and knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases in Tuzla Canton].
BACKGROUND
Sexually transmitted diseases today are the most spread infectious diseases. Their incidence is constantly increasing. Usually they affect the population age 15 to 19.


OBJECTIVE
To examine and determine parameters related to sexual behavior (sexarcha, duration of sexual activity, number of sexual partners), knowledge of adolescents of Tuzla Canton about sexually transmitted diseases and how do they get informed about it.


METHODS
In period June to September 2003 we conduct a survey with 2995 high school boys and girls age 14 to 19 in Tuzla Canton. The survey contained questions about sexarcha, knowledge on sexually transmitted diseases, usage and knowledge on methods of contraception.


RESULTS
Sexually active high school youth was 395 (13,18 %). Of that number 306 (10.22%) were boys and 89 (2.9 %) were girls (p<0.001). Average age of sexarcha for girls was 16.5+0.97 and for boys 15.7+1.2. Earliest average age of sexarcha for girls was in the municipality of Sapna (15.25+0.5) and for the boys in the municipality of Teocak (15 +1.1). In undeveloped municipalities sexual activity of adolescents of both sexes is significantly higher then in developed ones (p<0.5). High school boys and girls of Tuzla Canton showed insufficient knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases. Good knowledge showed only 87 (5 %) of girls and 25 (2 %) of boys. Girls showed statistically significant better knowledge on sexually transmitted diseases than boys p<0.001). Only 208 (19 %) boys and 539 (29 %) girls talks with parents about sexually transmitted diseases and contraception.


CONCLUSIONS
Work on education of youth, especially in undeveloped municipalities in insufficient, as well as knowledge on sexually transmitted diseases and methods of contraception.
Hadzimehmedović
Azra
A
Ginekolosko-akuserska klinika, Univerzitetski klinicki centar Tuzla. azrahadzi@bih.net.ba
Balić
Adem
A
Balić
Devleta
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017522:Bosnia and Herzegovina; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009255:Nafenopin; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases
D009255:Nafenopin