Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Saudi Women: Knowledge and Misconceptions

Abstract

The rate of sexually transmitted diseases is increasing globally. Thus, this study aimed to examine the Al akami female community’s knowledge about the nature of sexually transmitted diseases and their associated factors. The STDs-Knowledge Questionnaire (STDs-KQ) was utilized to collect data from the female community (355) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The data were analyzed using JMP Statistics for Windows, version 15. The significance level was set at 0.05. The study reported that participants had a relatively low understanding of STDs in acquisition, protection, prevention, and clinical signs and symptoms; only 33 (9%) had high knowledge scores (10–18), while 70% thought one virus caused all forms of STDs. Also, only 15% of the respondents knew the clinical features of the Chlamydia infection, and 18% identified the correct mode of its transmission. Also, older participants with clinical exposure had a higher knowledge score than young and single females, p < 0.05. A positive correlation between age and knowledge score was reported, r (354) = 0.339, p < 0.0001. The low knowledge scores were associated with marital status, age, and clinical exposure. Practical strategies to minimize literacy toward sexual education and increase the quality of sexual life must be promoted by educators and the academic curriculum