Knowledge of and attitudes to sexually transmitted diseases among Thai university students

Abstract: Sexually transmitted diseases are a major problem among adolescents in Thailand, and seeing that unprotected sex is a growing trend, awareness must be increased. The aim of this study was to examine Thai students’ knowledge of and attitudes to STDs as well as if there are any differences in gender regarding these questions. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at a private university in Bangkok, Thailand. The Health Belief Model was provided as theoretical framework. A questionnaire was answered voluntarily by 150 students, both male and female. The results showed that the students had low level of knowledge on STDs and their attitudes showed that they have many misconceptions regarding these issues. The study also showed that Thai students want to learn more about STDs and wish to receive this information from school. No major difference in gender was found. This study shows that additional education on STDs is needed among Thai adolescents. Further research in this area is acquired to get a wider perspective of Thai students’ knowledge on STDs, to help prevent future spreading of STDs.