Молодежный инновационный вестникМолодежный инновационный вестник2415-7805Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Воронежский государственный медицинский университет имени Н.Н. Бурденко" Министерства здравоохранения Российской Федерации9690UnclassifiedTo study students' knowledge and understanding of sexually transmitted diseases and their preventionGlazkovaElizaveta Viktorovnalizapretty2001@mail.ruhttps://orcid.org/0009-0003-9789-1590KochetkovaIrina Vladimirovnairi4217@yandex.ruhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-8545-6255FursovaElena AnatolevnaFursova_elena76@mail.ruhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-9459-7033PetrovaTatiana Nikolaevna<div class="pkp_helpers_clear"> <div id="4-body" class="authorBody pkp_helpers_clear authorBodyShow"> <div class="pkp_helpers_clear"> <div id="authors[4][biography]" class="section sectionOne pkp_helpers_half inline"> <div class="multilingualLabel"> <div id="authors[4][biography][en_US]"> <p>Doctor of Medical Sciences, Head of the Department of Medical Prevention</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>tnpetrova@vrngmu.ruVoronezh State Medical University named after N.N. Burdenko1904202413S14024061602202413052024Copyright © 2024, Glazkova E.V., Kochetkova I.V., Fursova E.A., Petrova T.N.2024<p></p> <p><em>Introduction. Infectious diseases in general and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in particular are a pressing public health problem [1]. Every year, 500 million people acquire one of the four main forms of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis or trichomoniasis. In particular, among modern youth, where free sexual relations are increasingly spreading. Target. To study the knowledge and awareness of students in the field of sexually transmitted diseases. Materials and methods. Conducting a sociological study on the basis of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education VSMU named after. N.N. Burdenko" Voronezh, Studencheskaya street 10. Questioning. Results. 124 people took part in the survey, of which only 75% of respondents know what an STD is, the remaining 25% have no idea what they are talking about; 31.5% of students began to be sexually active at the age of 14-17, more than half of students 52.4% believe that 2-3 partners or more per year is acceptable for our time, the main thing is to protect yourself, only 75.8% of students know If you become infected with an STI, you must treat the disease by consulting a doctor. Conclusions. A sociological study has shown that information messages occupy a large niche in the prevention of STDs. Reminders about the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and other sexually transmitted diseases force students to think about their sex lives.</em></p>sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)sexually transmitted infections (STIs)infertilitycontraceptionpreventionзаболевания, передающиеся половым путём (ЗППП)инфекции, передающиеся половым путём (ИППП)бесплодиеконтрацепцияпрофилактика<p>Relevance. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are transmitted from person to person, primarily through sexual contact. Reported incidence rates underestimate the true burden of infection because most STIs are asymptomatic [2]. STIs have far-reaching public health consequences for individuals' sexual and reproductive health, as well as long-term health care costs for society [3]. Sexually transmitted diseases can subsequently lead to irreparable negative effects on the body. As a result of the lack of timely initiation of therapy, they can subsequently cause serious complications, such as: neurological spectrum disorders, diseases of the cardiovascular system, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, and the risk of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) also increases. Most of these diseases occur without pronounced symptoms. The most common manifestations of STDs are vaginal and urethral discharge, discomfort during urination, irritation and swelling of the external genitalia, the appearance of ulcers or rashes, and pain during sexual intercourse. Despite the availability of effective diagnostics (successes in microbiology) and treatment, the incidence of STIs has become an epidemic [4]. The purpose of the work is to conduct a sociological survey among students, determine the level of knowledge and awareness in the field of sexually transmitted diseases. Materials and research methods. 04/28/2023 specialists of the BUZ VO "VOKTSOZ and MP" on the basis of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "VSMU named after. N.N. Burdenko" a sociological study was conducted among students. The survey method was used. The title of the questionnaire is Prevention of STDs. Students were asked to fill out questionnaires through electronic media that were created on the Google platform. The obtained data was also processed using the Google platform. Data from tables and diagrams obtained during the survey were systematized and described in accordance with the main criteria of the study. 124 people took part in the survey. Research results. 124 people took part in the survey, of which: - men - 25%; - women - 75% (Fig. 1). Age of respondents: - 18 years 7 people. (5.6%); - 20 years 1 person. (0.8%); - 21 years 21 people. (16.9%); - 22 years old 73 people. (58.9%); - 23 years old 16 people. (12.9%); - 24 years 26 years - 6 people. (4.8%). In the modern world, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are the most significant social pathology among the population. Every year, approximately 500 million people around the world are diagnosed with one form of sexually transmitted disease (STD): chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis or trichomoniasis. Most often, we see this in the society of modern youth, due to a greater commitment to open relationships. Many STDs have been shown to negatively affect men's and women's reproductive health. The most significant risk group for STDs is students. At this stage of life, they not only acquire a profession, but also form their attitude and behavior in the sexual aspect. Based on the practice of past years, somehow influencing this process is a rather difficult task. At first glance, the abundance of information on the topic of sex education gives us the right to conclude that modern youth should know how to avoid unwanted diseases, but on the other hand, it is uncontrolled accessibility that can lead to the adoption of such negative global trends as early onset of sexual intercourse relationships, multiple sexual partners, unprotected sex. Without exception, everyone who is in a sexual relationship, to one degree or another, is always at risk of contracting an STD. It cannot be said that only people who are promiscuous or socially disadvantaged suffer from sexually transmitted diseases. Of course, you cannot protect yourself 100%, but you can reduce the risk of infection if you follow simple prevention rules. Only 75% of the students surveyed know and have a good idea of what STDs and STIs are. The remaining 25% do not have a clear idea of what we are talking about; or they believe that they will not encounter this in the future. The first sexual contact at the age of 14-17 was noted by 31.5% of students. Only half of the students (50.8%) reached adulthood at their first sexual experience. Early sexual relationships are most often accompanied by insufficient education in matters of sex education. Young people at this age can only begin to think about issues such as personal hygiene, contraceptive methods, pregnancy and childbirth. Unfortunately, important issues related to HIV infection, STIs, abortion and further infertility remain without due attention at such a young age. According to research, we can say that in the last few years the vector has shifted towards an earlier onset of sexual activity. Early sexual opyt is increasingly becoming part of the concept of norm among modern youth. Psychologists say that among the younger generation, interest in the problems of sex education has increased significantly. It is obvious that the attitude of young people towards sex has become easier; they easily ignore most social prohibitions in this area. Young people have ingrained ideas that it is possible to engage in sexual relations with a complete stranger. We have identified the key reasons that led to the onset of early sexual activity: - to escape loneliness or to become more popular; - to show your independence from your parents; - to try to assert your I through sexual relations, as this can help emphasize attractiveness. Men want to defend their masculinity, and women want to show the world around them and, first of all, themselves that they are loved, desired and needed; - to attach a partner; - because it is fashionable. The students surveyed believe that the main reasons for the onset of early sexual activity are: - curiosity (76.6%); - the desire to seem like an adult (59.7%); - under the influence of alcohol, drugs and toxic substances (56.5%). According to students, STI prevention should include, first of all, the following: - using a condom (86.2%); - avoiding sexual intercourse with strangers (85.4%); - observing personal hygiene rules (82.9%) ;- have a regular sexual partner (80.5%). 79.8% of students drink alcohol, including beer. According to the results of the study, the vast majority of students (95.2%) do not use drugs and have never tried them. However, 4.8% of respondents answered positively when asked whether they had experience using drugs. At the same time: - have tried drugs once - 3.3% of students; - use sometimes - 1.5%. It is alarming that in recent years new types of drugs have appeared that cause addiction after the first use. Therefore, these students are at risk. Most students are familiar with the concept of sexually transmitted diseases. The most known to them: - HIV infection (96.8%); - syphilis (95.2%); - chlamydia (90.3%); - gonorrhea (87.1%); - hepatitis B, C (83. 1%); - genital herpes (83.1%). The harm that STDs can cause to students is known: - infertility of men and women (88.7%); - infection with AIDS (87.1%); - inflammatory diseases of the genital organs of the small pelvis (86.3%); - chronic inflammatory processes of the genitourinary tract (85.5%); - disturbances in the course of pregnancy, high risks of ectopic pregnancy and stillbirth (85.5%). The main symptoms that indicate an STI infection, according to respondents, are the following: - irritation and burning, sometimes pain in the intimate area (94.4%); - discharge from the genitals, odor (91.9%); - inflammatory elements in areas of the genital organs and anus - redness, boils, ulcers (89.5%); - swelling of the mucous membranes of the external genitalia (84.7%). Both partners should take care of contraception equally 96% of students think so. The rest think differently. According to the survey results, more than half of the students (52.4%) believe that 2-3 partners or more per year is normal for our time, the main thing is to protect yourself. Casual sexual intercourse and an excessive number of sexual partners are the most significant factors that can lead to various forms of pathologies of the genitourinary system. According to the survey results, only 75.8% of students know that if they become infected with an STI, it is necessary to treat the disease by going to a medical institution and be sure to complete treatment, otherwise the symptoms will recur. Regular visits to the doctor are considered necessary by 11.3% of respondents. Of the 100% of students surveyed, during the sociological research, only 41.9% know that even the use of various methods of contraception cannot guarantee complete protection against STIs or lead to unwanted pregnancy. One of the common misconceptions is that any contraceptive method has a 100% guarantee against STDs. This opinion, even now, can lead to infection or cause an unwanted pregnancy. The surveyed students consider the most important reason for the spread of STDs to be having sexual contact with people they do not know well, which increases the risk of infection (freedom of sexual relations), noted 62.9% of respondents. We know that often such frivolous acts can occur while intoxicated and, of course, without any means of contraception, due to simple unpreparedness, this can often lead to infection with sexually transmitted diseases. But even with such indicators, a rare visit to a urologist or gynecologist after such an incident of sexual intercourse was noted (77.4%). One of the main reasons for the spread of STDs, according to students, is the lack of necessary sex education and awareness (86.3%). To summarize, out of 100% of respondents: - drink alcoholic beverages 79.8%; - have tried drugs - 4.8%; - do not know what STDs and STIs are - 25%; - began to be sexually active at the age of 14-17 years - 31.5%; - more than half of the students 52.4% believe that 2-3 partners or more per year is normal for our time, the main thing is to protect yourself. Conclusion. A sociological survey has established that despite sufficient awareness, the topic of sexually transmitted diseases remains relevant today. Many young people continue to be promiscuous without contraception with many partners, without thinking about the consequences. Also, those who already have certain symptoms do not seek medical help, and also do not regularly undergo mandatory medical examinations. Most STDs are curable if detected early and seen by a specialist. Information messages play a key role in the prevention of STDs. Being aware of the risks of contracting an STD can help students think more often about decisions that affect their sex life.</p>1.Ведение больных инфекциями, передаваемыми половым путем: руководство для врачей / В. И. Кисина, К. И. Забиров, А. Е. Гущин; под ред. В. И. Кисиной. - М.: ГЭОТАР-Медиа, 2017. - 256 с.: ил. - ISBN 978-5-9704-4210-4.2.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted disease surveillance. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, 2019.3.Chesson HW, Spicknall IH, Bingham A, et al. The estimated direct lifetime medical costs of sexually transmitted infections acquired in the United States in 2018.Sex Transm Dis 2021; 48: 215 – 21.4.Гинекология. Руководство к практическим занятиям: учебное пособие / под редакцией В. Е. Радзинского. – 3-е изд., перераб. и доп. 2020. – 552 с. : ил. – ISBN 978–5–9704–5459–6. – URL: http://www.studmedlib.ru/book/ISBN9785970454596.html.