Knowledge of sexually transmitted infections and its associated factors among polytechnic college students in Southwest Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION: sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact, and most of them are easily preventable and treatable. Global trends in STIs have increased. Sub-Saharan Africa carries a high burden of STIs, including HIV. Knowledge about STIs is very significant for preventing the adverse outcomes of young adult reproductive health. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases and its associated factors among polytechnic college students in Southwest Ethiopia. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was conducted among 453 randomly selected students at Mizan-Aman polytechnic college in Southwest Ethiopia from April 1(st) to 30(th), 2018. The data were collected through self-administered structured and pre-tested questionnaire. The collected data were entered using EPI-DATA version 4.2.0.0, and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software. RESULTS: of the 453 participants, 177 (39.1%) had good knowledge about STIs. The study also found that being male (AOR = 1.72, 95% CI [1.12-2.86], P = 0.025), increased year of study (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI [1.69-8.43], P = 0.002), having one or no sexual partner (AOR = 1.53, 95% CI [1.35-3.56], P = 0.005), and source of information from mass media (Television/Radio) (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI [1.78-4.56], 0.013) were factors that associated with an increased level of knowledge about STIs. CONCLUSION: the proportion of good knowledge about sexually transmitted infections was substantially low. Therefore, strengthening information, education, and communication (IEC) on the issue using health clubs and mass media (Television/Radio) is highly recommended. In addition, inculcating the sexual and reproductive health course in the educational curriculum plays a paramount importance.