STIs are a major health problem worldwide

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 111 views

The Level of Knowledge of Students of the Faculty of Psychology X about Sexually Transmitted Infections: Still Need Attention

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infectious diseases that can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. STIs are a major health problem worldwide, causing infertility in women and men, disability, pregnancy disorders, cancer, and even death. The Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey Data (SDKI) in 2007 and 2012 showed an increase in premarital sexual behavior in adolescents. In 2007, teenagers aged 15-19 years who had premarital sex reached 3.7%, increased to 4.5% in 2012. This figure also increased in the age group 20-24 years, from 10.5% to 14.6%.

The Importance of Increasing Awareness about STI

Seeing the trend of increasing premarital sexual behavior, it is essential to understand the level of student knowledge, especially in the Faculty of Psychology, regarding STIs. The Faculty of Psychology, which focuses on the study of human behavior, has an important role in understanding and socializing knowledge about STIs. This study aims to determine the level of knowledge of students of the Faculty of Psychology X class of 2019, 2020, and 2021 concerning STIs.

Research Methods and Results

This study uses a descriptive design with a cross-sectional approach. Samples were taken by consecutive sampling by distributing online questionnaires to students of the Faculty of Psychology X class of 2019, 2020, and 2021. The results showed that the level of student knowledge about STI was divided into three categories:

Good Knowledge: 8 people (9.1%) demonstrated a good understanding of STIs, including their causes, symptoms, and prevention methods.

Enough Knowledge: 49 people (55.7%) showed sufficient knowledge about STIs, but may not have a deep understanding of the subject.

Lack of Knowledge: 31 people (35.2%) lacked knowledge about STIs, indicating a need for further education and awareness.

Overall, the level of knowledge about STIs of students of the Faculty of Psychology X class of 2019, 2020, and 2021 is in a sufficient or medium category (55.7%). Although these results show that most students have sufficient knowledge about STIs, significant proportions still have less knowledge.

Analysis and Recommendations

The results of this study indicate that efforts are still needed to increase student knowledge about STIs. This is essential to prevent transmission and minimize the negative impact of STI. Here are some recommendations that can be applied:

Improving the Education Program:

Faculty of Psychology X can improve educational programs about STIs through related courses, seminars, and socialization activities.
Educational material must be arranged clearly, interesting, and easy to understand.

Increasing the Role of Counselors:

Faculty of Psychology X can strengthen the role of counselors in providing information and counseling related to STIs.
Counselors can provide consulting services individually and in groups.

Campaign Awareness:

Awareness campaigns about STIs can be done through social media, posters, and brochures.
This campaign can reach more students and increase their awareness of STIs.

Conclusion

Knowledge of STIs among students of the Faculty of Psychology X still needs to be improved. This increase in knowledge is essential to encourage sexual behavior that is more responsible and protect yourself from the risk of STIs. It is crucial for the Faculty of Psychology X to support the educational program and awareness campaign about STIs as a form of contribution to create a healthy and safe campus environment.

Recommendations for Future Research

Future studies can focus on:

Investigating the effectiveness of educational programs and awareness campaigns in increasing student knowledge about STIs.
Examining the relationship between student knowledge about STIs and their sexual behavior.
Developing and implementing a comprehensive STI prevention program for students of the Faculty of Psychology X.

By addressing the knowledge gap about STIs among students of the Faculty of Psychology X, we can work towards creating a healthier and safer campus environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

As we discussed in our previous article, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a major health problem worldwide. In this article, we will address some frequently asked questions about STIs to provide a better understanding of this critical issue.

Q: What are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?

A: STIs are infectious diseases that can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. They can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

Q: What are the most common STIs?

A: The most common STIs include:

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Syphilis
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Q: How are STIs transmitted?

A: STIs can be transmitted through:

Unprotected vaginal or anal sex
Oral sex
Sharing sex toys
Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or childbirth

Q: What are the symptoms of STIs?

A: The symptoms of STIs can vary depending on the type of infection. Some common symptoms include:

Discharge or odor from the vagina or penis
Pain or burning during urination
Itching or burning during sex
Sores or blisters on the genitals
Fever or flu-like symptoms

Q: Can STIs be cured?

A: Some STIs can be cured with antibiotics, while others cannot be cured and require ongoing treatment. HIV, for example, is a chronic condition that requires lifelong treatment.

Q: How can I prevent STIs?

A: To prevent STIs, you can:

Use condoms consistently and correctly
Get tested regularly for STIs
Limit your number of sex partners
Avoid sharing sex toys
Get vaccinated against HPV and Hepatitis B

Q: What should I do if I think I have an STI?

A: If you think you have an STI, you should:

Get tested as soon as possible
Avoid having sex until you have been tested and treated
Tell your partner(s) about your symptoms and encourage them to get tested
Follow the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare provider

Q: Can STIs be prevented through education and awareness?

A: Yes, education and awareness are critical in preventing STIs. By understanding the risks and consequences of STIs, individuals can make informed decisions about their sexual health and take steps to protect themselves and their partners.

Q: What role can healthcare providers play in preventing STIs?

A: Healthcare providers can play a critical role in preventing STIs by:

Providing accurate and unbiased information about STIs
Offering regular testing and treatment for STIs
Encouraging patients to get vaccinated against HPV and Hepatitis B
Providing counseling and support for patients with STIs

By addressing these frequently asked questions, we hope to provide a better understanding of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and the importance of education and awareness in preventing them.