Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Lebanese university students related to sexually transmitted diseases: a cross-sectional study

AIM: To appraise Lebanese university students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in March and April 2020. A total of 402 students (67.9% women) from ten universities located in different Lebanese regions were recruited through convenient sampling. RESULTS: Pursuing a major in non-health sciences compared with a major in health sciences (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.08) was significantly associated with lower odds of having better knowledge of STDs. Older age (aOR = 1.09) was significantly associated with higher odds of having better knowledge of STDs. Having good vs poor knowledge (aOR = 3.88) was significantly associated with higher odds of having favorable attitudes toward STDs, whereas pursuing a major in non-health sciences compared with a major in health sciences (aOR = 0.28) was significantly associated with lower odds of having favorable attitudes toward STDs. Women compared with men (aOR = 2.21) had higher odds of having healthier practices related to STDs. Attitude did not mediate the association between knowledge and practice. CONCLUSION: Attitude did not significantly mediate the association between knowledge and practice. Therefore, educational programs and awareness campaigns should be implemented in secondary schools and among vulnerable non-medical students. Such efforts can help students identify the symptoms of STDs, seek medical attention, and make informed decisions to protect themselves.