Information-seeking behavior on sexually transmitted infections and its associated factors among university students in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

Autor: Shimie AW; Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia. aynadisworku@gmail.com., Gashu KD; Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia., Shiferaw AM; Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia., Mengiste SA; School of Business, Institute of Business, History & Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Notodden, Norway.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Reproductive health [Reprod Health] 2022 Jan 29; Vol. 19 (1), pp. 25. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Jan 29.
DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01340-x
Abstrakt: Background: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections commonly spread through sexual contact and transmitted by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. In today's world, STI-related information-seeking behavior is often vital for the advancement of knowledge, behavioral changes, health decisions, and the sharing of sexual health information among youths. However, paucity of evidence on information-seeking behavior among students in higher education institutions. This study aimed to assess STI-related information-seeking behavior and its associated factors among students at the University of Gondar.
Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among students at the University of Gondar from January 15 to February 15, 2021. A total of 832 participants were selected using a stratified two-stage sampling method. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the required data. STI information-seeking behavior questionnaire was adapted from health information national survey tool (HINTS). Descriptive statistics, bi-variable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied using SPSS version 26.
Result: The proportion of STI related information-seeking among university students was 462 (55.5%) with 95% CI (52.3, 58.9). About 263 (56.9%) of students preferred internet as a primary source for STI related information. Year of study being 4th (AOR = 4.77, 95% CI = 2.75, 8.29) and 5th year (AOR = 5.45, 95% CI = 2.48, 12.01), field of study being health (AOR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.16, 4.11), sexual experiences (AOR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.56, 3.48), ever had STI symptoms (AOR = 4.19, 95% CI = 2.14, 8.18), perceived susceptibility (AOR = 5.05, 95% CI = 3.29, 7.75), and perceived severity (AOR = 2.16,95% CI = 1.45, 3.22) were significant factors for good STI information-seeking.
Conclusion: the proportion of STI information-seeking among university students was low. Students' STI information-seeking behavior could be improved by increasing digital literacy and enhancing computer and internet access across the campus.
(© 2022. The Author(s).)
Databáze: MEDLINE
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