AWARENESS, KNOWLEDGE, AND
RISKY BEHAVIORS OF SEXUALLY
TRANSMITTED DISEASES AMONG
YOUNG PEOPLE IN GREECE
PRESENTED TO: DR. MEHNAZ RASHID
PRESENTED BY: ANNA QASIM
HOORIA MURTAZA
FAISAL HAYAT
INTRODUCTION
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a major global health problem,
with over 340 million new cases occurring every year worldwide.
• STDs are caused by bacteria, viruses, or protozoa and are mainly
transmitted through sexual activity.
• STDs have severe consequences for health, including cervical cancer,
infertility, pregnancy-associated complications, increased risk for
acquiring HIV, and reduced quality of life.
• Condom use among young adults is mainly focused on preventing
unwanted pregnancy rather than STD prevention.
BACKGROUND
• STDs primarily affect young adults due to their non-homogeneous
populations, social needs, and sexual behaviors.
• Factors associated with increased STD infection in young individuals
include early initiation of sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, access
to healthcare services, financial status, and education.
• Previous studies in the United States showed that young people lack
sufficient knowledge about STDs, and their knowledge level affects the
incidence of infection.
AIM OF THE STUDY
• The study aimed to assess the knowledge level of young Greek
adults regarding the risk of STD infection, transmission,
diagnosis, and prevention.
• The study also aimed to identify potential trends that may lead to
an increased STD infection rate.
METHODS
• Observational cross-sectional study design.
• Participants: 1833 individuals aged 18-30 years.
• Online questionnaire with 35 questions.
• Sections: demographic characteristics, interest in STDs and
prevention measures, knowledge and prevention measures,
evaluation of sexual behavior-associated risk.
• Ethics approval obtained from the University of West Attica.
RESULTS: AWARENESS AND
KNOWLEDGE OF STDS
• High levels of knowledge were observed for STDs such as AIDS
(97.7%), warts (97%), Chlamydia (92.2%), genital herpes (89.9%),
syphilis (81.9%), and gonorrhea (72.1%).
• Lower awareness was noted for trichomoniasis (39.3%), Molluscum
contagiosum (12.9%), mycoplasmas (11.6%), and amoebiasis (7.4%).
• Participants exhibited correct knowledge regarding oral transmission for
genital herpes (45%), warts (35.8%), and AIDS (HIV; 33.8%).
• Some participants (30.2%) were unfamiliar with oral sexual
transmission.
RESULTS: RISKY BEHAVIORS AND
PRACTICES
• 52% of participants were unaware that STDs might cause
infertility.
• Only 40.4% reported always using condoms during sexual
intercourse.
• 48.6% had never been tested for STDs.
RESULTS: KNOWLEDGE SCORES AND
DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS
• Majority of the young population
(55%) had a moderate knowledge
STD score (41-60%).
• Knowledge scores were
associated with demographic
parameters: age, gender, sexual
preference, number of sexual
partners, and residence.
DISCUSSION
• Participants had varying levels of knowledge regarding oral
transmission of STDs, with some lacking awareness of the risks.
• The study found that a significant percentage of participants were
not aware that STDs could cause infertility.
• Condom use during sexual intercourse was reported by only
40.4% of respondents, indicating a need for improved awareness
about safe sex practices.
• A considerable proportion (48.6%) of participants had never been
tested for STDs, highlighting the importance of promoting regular
testing.
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Develop and implement comprehensive sex education programs
targeted at young people in Greece to improve knowledge about
STDs, including less commonly known infections.
• Focus on raising awareness about the risks of oral transmission
of STDs and promote safe practices.
• Emphasize the link between STDs and infertility to increase
understanding among young adults.
• Encourage consistent and correct condom use during sexual
intercourse as a preventive measure against STDs.
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Promote regular STD testing and provide accessible and
confidential testing services for young individuals.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals, educational
institutions, and relevant stakeholders to design and deliver
effective sex education campaigns and interventions.
• Tailor interventions to address specific demographic factors,
such as age, gender, sexual preference, number of sexual
partners, and residence, which were found to be associated
with knowledge levels.
CONCLUSIONS
• STDs are a significant health issue among young individuals in
Greece.
• The study highlights the need for more effective sex education
programs targeting young people.
• Improving awareness, knowledge, and promoting safe sexual
practices can help prevent the spread of STDs.
• Further research and interventions are necessary to reduce the
incidence of STDs among young adults.
THANK YOU
