Knowledge, attitude, and sexually transmitted disease preventive behaviors among university student men who have sex with men

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive research aimed to study knowledge attitude and sexually transmitted disease (STD) preventive behavior of university student men who have sex with men (MSM). Amount of 130 students were selected by snowball sampling. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistic as frequency and percentage. The result found that students had 58.5% of moderate knowledge, 52.3% of good attitude, and 54.3% of moderate preventive behaviors. The participants misunderstood about symptoms and treatment of STD. They had a positive attitude by strongly disagreeing with just one time of unprotected sex did not lead to STD, 56.9%, and strongly agree that buying a condom or getting it from the health care unit is not shameful, 46.2%. In terms of the negative attitude, 14.6% agreed that it was customary to change sexual partners or have multiple sexual partners, and 12.3% strongly agree that the use of condoms decreases sexual pleasure. The participants had appropriate preventive behavior about regular use of condoms during intercourse, 74.3%. However, the participants never had a blood test and do not carry condoms when going out to entertainment venues or other sexual risk places as 51.4% and 44.3%, respectively. Therefore, hospitals and related institutions should promote knowledge, positive attitudes, and appropriate behaviors about sexually transmitted disease prevention for all students. Especially, MSM students via organizing activities to promote education and provide or establish a hot-line online, specific place where students can receive counseling and provide appropriate advice to protect and decrease the STD.