Effectiveness of knowledge of sexually transmitted infections among adolescents: School-based intervention in Trivandrum, Kerala, India.

BACKGROUND

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are among the high-risk behavioral problems among adolescents. However, this study is to determine the effectiveness of the intervention in terms of knowledge about STIs among adolescents attending school. The objectives of the current study are 1) to determine the knowledge of STIs among the experimental and control group and 2) to compare the knowledge of STIs among adolescents enrolled in school between the experimental and control groups.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A quasiexperimental design was employed in this study conducted in August 2023, which included a control group and an experimental group. A total of 42 (21 in each group) school-going adolescents were randomly selected from a selected school in Trivandrum, India. A four-module intervention package was divided into three sections: The first included an introduction to sex education, the second discussed eight STIs, and the third and final section dealt with hygienic practices. Paired sample t-test and independent t-test were used to determine the results.

RESULTS

The results showed that the knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases was improved in the experimental group after the intervention. The experimental group (mean = 9.25, t = 5 2.828, P = .000***) had a highly significant increase in knowledge about STIs compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study emphasize the need to upgrade knowledge and attitudes of school-going adolescents in relation to STIs. Furthermore, ensuring adequate hygiene knowledge and practices is crucial to the overall development of this age group. Regular follow-up and assessment are needed to effectively address this pressing health issue.