Introduction

Belarusian students’ awareness of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is underreported.

Aim of the research

To assess the knowledge of student adolescents on preventive and clinical issues related to STIs.

Material and methods

The survey was conducted in February 2023 among 569 Grodno University students using a proprietary online questionnaire. The region was chosen due to its border location.

Results

The respondents were aware of the reasons for the prevalence of STIs, clinical symptoms, and prevention methods. However, a lack of awareness of the problem globalisation was noted among 14.4%. One in 10 respondents indicated atypical routes of STI infection. The main source of knowledge was the Internet (66.7%). At the same time, sources of information such as question-and-answer sessions with health care professionals and teachers were frequently cited. About half of the male and a quarter of the female students were already sexually active. Most of them had partnerships outside of marriage. Sexual initiation at the age of 15–17 years was declared by half of the men and a third of the women. The survey found low levels of students’ knowledge of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Conclusions

Awareness of STIs should be considered high. However, this does not reduce the urgency of the problem, as there is often a lack of knowledge about STIs. Women were more cautious about STIs, associating it with their personal safety. There was a general tendency among both sexes to engage in risky sexual behaviour, which is key to the high prevalence. Appropriate monitoring studies aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of sex education are needed.