摘要：Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge and behavioral risks associatedwith sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among the students of health professions atthe University of Palermo divided into two age groups (18-22 years and 23-27 years).Materials and methods. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed. The questionnaireis structured in three parts in addition to an introduction to socio-demographicinformation. The first part investigates the quality of information provided by public institutionson the subject, the second part the knowledge of contraceptive methods usedto reduce the risk of contagion and the third part the knowledge of STIs and HPV vaccination.A multivariable logistic regression model was used and adjusted Odds Ratios(aOR) are presented.Results. The sample was represented by 1022 respondents (70.8% females, 61.5% aged18-22 years). In multivariate analyses males have a greater risk of not knowing HPVvaccine (aOR 3.52, 95% CI 2.26-5.49). The 18-22 age group has a higher risk than the23-27 age group to think of being not sufficiently informed to avoid contagion (aOR3.92, 95% CI 2.18-7.06), never having STIs specific tests (aOR 2.90, 95% CI 2.21-3.80),not knowing HPV vaccine (aOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.13-3.07) and not knowing that it can beadministered to males (aOR 2.63, 95% CI 1.96-3.53).Conclusions. Based on our findings, it is necessary to implement sexual education programsfor the improvement of knowledge in terms of STIs and the promotion of health.Future studies are needed to assess the effectiveness and cost of education programsthat should also be addressed to young adults who do not attend university.
关键词：surveys and;questionnaires; sexually transmitted;infections; sexual behavior; university students; Sicily
