Rahavard Salamat Journal

Background & Objectives: Awareness of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) plays an essential role in prevention, early diagnosis, and the promotion of sexual health. This study aimed to determine the level of individuals' knowledge and to examine its association with sociodemographic factors and sources of information.
Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over a 6-month period on 400 individuals attending 10 healthcare centers (40 participants from each center). Convenience sampling was used for choosing the study population. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire designed and validated by Rahmati Najar Kolaei (2007) to assess individuals' knowledge of sexually transmitted infections. Descriptive statistics and the chi-square test were used to evaluate associations between knowledge and demographic variables.
Results: The mean knowledge score was 7.6±3.35 (out of 20), indicating a low level of knowledge among participants. Approximately 30.5% had low knowledge, 47.5% had moderate knowledge, and 22% demonstrated high knowledge. The most common information sources were social networks (40%) and friends/acquaintances (29%). Knowledge was significantly associated with age (p= 0.001), educational level (p< 0.001), and income level (p< 0.001). Participants who were younger and had lower education and income reported lower knowledge. No significant association was found between knowledge and occupation (p=0.105). Additionally, knowledge was significantly related to information sources (p=0.002). Individuals who obtained information from social networks and acquaintances had lower knowledge levels than those who relied on official sources such as health centers and credible media.
Conclusion: The findings indicated that participants' knowledge regarding STIs is low, and demographic factors including age, education, and income are important determinants of knowledge level. Reliance on social networks and non-official sources may lead to inadequate or inaccurate information. Therefore, strengthening formal educational programs and increasing the role of health centers and credible media in disseminating information are strongly recommended.