Adolescents continue to be at high risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s). Awareness of STD’s and their symptoms may increase treatment and therefore reduce the spread of STD’s among adolescents. The purpose of this study was to examine knowledge of STD symptoms over a ten-year period among adolescents. Data was collected over ten years from four waves of surveys administered in 1988, 1990, 1993 and 1998. Fifteen and sixteen-year-olds (N=3680) from four counties in Alabama were examined on their knowledge of sexually transmitted disease symptoms. Knowledge scores were developed and comparisons (.01) were conducted on demographic characteristics and age of sexual initiation. Results indicated that STD knowledge increased over the ten year period. Caucasian females were found to have significantly higher STD knowledge compared to other groups. Overall, 16 year olds had significantly higher STD knowledge than 15 year olds. No differences were found with sexual initiation. Each symptom of the STD scale was individually examined by each wave of data collection. Adolescents were consistently incorrect on those symptoms similar to flu-like symptoms, showing weaker knowledge in these areas. Health education and promotion programs should focus on education of sexually transmitted diseases including symptomolgy to increase awareness and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.
Learning Objectives: By the end of the session the learner will be able to: 1. Recognize the need for health education programs related to sexually trasmitted disease prevention. 2. Identify demographic factors among adolescents that may affect knowledge of sexually trasmitted disease symptoms.
Keywords: Adolescent Health, STD Prevention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.