Abstract:

Aim: This cross sectional study was conducted to determine knowledge level of the undergraduate students' about sexually transmitted diseases and influencing factors. Method: The population of the study consisted of the undergraduate students of a private Health Sciences College in Istanbul, during the academic year of 2014-2015 (n=1116). The sample includes 552 voluntary students who accepted participation. A survey of 58 questions was implemented to the students in order to determine the demographic characteristics and to measure the level of their knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases. Data analysis was conducted employing SPSS program. Results: In this study, it was determined that the most reliable method for the protection against sexually transmitted diseases was using condoms (48.9 %). On the other hand, 57.4% of the students implied that they feel inadequate about the knowledge on sexually transmitted diseases. However, 73.5% of the students stated that they would like to acquire knowledge on the subject. Furthermore, 72.1% of the students thought that these diseases could be treated. The most well-known sexually transmitted disease was AIDS with the highest rate among students. 51.1% of students reported that they received the knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases in the courses taken at school. Conclusion: More than half of the students indicated that they feel inadequate about sexually transmitted diseases and would like to get educated on the subject. In this regard, to improve the level of their knowledge, organizing educational programs and seminars becomes necessity

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