Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding syphilis screening among muslim undergraduate students in oman: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that remains a significant global public health concern, particularly among young people. If left untreated, syphilis can lead to severe complications and broader public health challenges. In the Middle East, cultural and religious factors may influence young people’s access to syphilis screening and treatment.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding syphilis screening among Muslim undergraduate university students from all regions of Oman. Students were conveniently invited to complete a validated, self-administered online questionnaire through the deanship of admissions and registration at selected universities.

RESULTS

Among 515 students surveyed, 49.3% were female and 50.7% were male (Mean = 21.5, SD = 3.03). Over half of the students (53.6%, 276) reported no prior knowledge of syphilis, while 46.4% had heard about syphilis primarily from the Internet, friends, and social media. The students’ syphilis knowledge was inadequate, with a mean total score of 7.35 out of 16 (SD = 3.68). Factors such as a higher academic year and enrolment in a health science speciality were significantly associated with increased awareness of syphilis (p < 0.001). Moreover, the participants demonstrated negative attitudes and poor syphilis screening practices, with 85.9% reporting never having been screened and only 48.7% expressing willingness to undergo testing. There were significant correlations between knowledge-practice (r = 0.295, p < 0.001), knowledge-attitude (r = 0.301, p < 0.001), and attitude-practice (r = 0.410, p < 0.001) regarding syphilis screening. Additionally, 65% of students expressed a desire for syphilis education, with 70% supporting its inclusion in a school-based sex education program.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings highlight inadequate knowledge and poor practices about syphilis screening among Muslim undergraduate students in Oman. Therefore, this study provides implications for healthcare stakeholders and school decision-makers to implement syphilis education and screening policies and promote health education campaigns to improve KAP toward syphilis screening among young people in the Middle East.