The Relationship Between The Level Of Knowledge And Attitudes On Prevention Related To Sexually Transmitted Diseases In UNJAYA Students

Abstract

Background: Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are a global health concern with a high prevalence among young adults, including university students. Low levels of knowledge about STDs can influence attitudes and preventive behaviors; therefore, it is important to examine the relationship between these factors among students as a productive and at-risk group.

Purpose: To determine the relationship between the level of knowledge and attitudes toward the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases among students at Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani Yogyakarta (UNJAYA).

Methods: This study employed an analytical quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design. A total of 106 students from three faculties (Health Sciences, Engineering and Information Technology, and Economics and Social Sciences) were selected using purposive sampling. The instruments used included a demographic questionnaire, the Sexually Transmitted Disease Knowledge Questionnaire (STD-KQ) for measuring knowledge, and an attitude questionnaire toward STD prevention adapted from Saenong (2020). Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate methods with the Chi-Square test at a significance level of 0.05.

Results: Most respondents had a moderate level of knowledge (46.2%) and demonstrated a good attitude toward STD prevention (96.2%). The Chi-Square test revealed a significant relationship between the level of knowledge and attitudes toward STD prevention (p = 0.007) with a correlation coefficient of 0.359, indicating a moderate positive correlation.

Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between knowledge level and attitudes toward the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases among UNJAYA students. Comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education is needed to enhance knowledge and foster positive attitudes toward STD prevention.