Knowledge and perceptions of sexually transmitted infections in male graduate students

<p>The purpose of this study was to assess Eastern Michigan University (EMU) male graduate students’ knowledge and perceptions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and their transmission, prevention, testing, and treatment in relation to age and previous STI education. The 160 participants took an online survey containing 38 items. The only significant finding was that males in the older age group (32–45 years) perceived genital herpes to be more severe than males in the younger age group (21–31 years). The majority of participants answered the STI knowledge questions correctly. Participant responses indicated that there are misconceptions surrounding the transmission of STIs. Most participants indicated that pregnancy prevention and STI protection were the main benefits to condom use, whereas perceived loss of physical sensation and enjoyment of sexual activities were identified as barriers. Sexual health programming could benefit from incorporating information on STI transmission and minimizing concerns of sensation loss when using condoms.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Health Promotion and Human Performance

Year dc:date.available

2017

Author dc:creator

• Augustaitis, Katherine

Contributors dc:contributor

• Susan McCarthy
• Megan Sterling
• Chris Herman

• Graduate Students
• Health Belief Model
• Knowledge
• Males
• Perceptions
• Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Medicine and Health Sciences

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/761

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-2140