Awareness of sexually transmitted diseases among adolescents in Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

The aim of the study, due to the worldwide prevalent increase of sexually transmitted diseases, was to investigate the local adolescents’ awareness of sexually transmitted diseases, including their level of knowledge regarding the mode of transmission and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.

The study was performed using a standard questionnaire which was distributed to the general public eliciting information about the knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases.

536 participants were randomly selected amongst medical and non-medical youth aged 18-25.

Despite tremendous efforts, 49 participants did not answer some of the addressed questions, so they were excluded from the study.

The study showed that the local population of Jeddah lacked awareness of sexually transmitted diseases, and they have incorrect perceptions.

Most common sources from which information was obtained were primarily mass media rather than school education.

274 (56 %) wanted to know if they had any kind of sexually transmitted diseases.

Only 257 participants (53 %) thought that Human Papilloma Virus was a sexually transmitted disease.

340 participants (70 %) thought that Herpes Simplex Virus was a sexually transmitted diseases.

282 participants (58 %) thought that Chlamydia was a sexually transmitted disease.

Sexually transmitted diseases are common and preventable causes of morbidity and serious complications; thus primary prevention of sexually transmitted diseases needs to be given high priority.

Education about sexually transmitted diseases should be addressed early on in schools to encourage premarital screenings and hence help reduce the risk of the possible expansion of infection in the Kingdom.