IMPORTANCE OF SCREENING EXAMINATIONS FOR SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AMONG INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Author(s)
Vanessa Valerie Kanyarwila, BSc1, József Betlehem, PhD2, Imre Boncz, MSc, PhD, MD3, Diána Elmer, BSc, MSc, PhD4, Annamaria Pakai, MSc, RN, PhD1.
1University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 2Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 3Institute of Health Insurance, University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 4University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary.
1University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 2Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 3Institute of Health Insurance, University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 4University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the level of awareness, knowledge, and screening behaviors related to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among international students, and to identify key psychological and structural barriers influencing access to screening services.
METHODS: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 101 international students at the university of Pecs. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected via an online questionnaire incorporating validated instruments, including the HIV Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire and STD awareness scales. Inclusion criteria included international student status and voluntary participation. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v 28.0.1, applying descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and correlation analysis with significance set at p<0.05.
RESULTS: HIV testing rates were high (97.0%), while bacterial STD testing remained low: syphilis (26.7%), gonorrhea (22.8%). Knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention was strong (94 100% correct). Key motivators included symptoms (89.1%) and low-cost services (83.2%). Major barriers were language difficulties (98.0%), lack of awareness of testing locations (95.0%) and cultural stigma (74.3%). 82.2% agreed that international students face greater barriers than domestic students. A positive correlation was identified between STD knowledge and attitudes towards screening (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed between screening behavior and psychological factors such as fear, stigma, and privacy concerns (p < 0.05). A moderate negative correlation was found between fear and willingness to undergo testing (r = -0.39, p < 0.01). Structural barriers were significantly associated with reduced screening uptake (p < 0.05)
CONCLUSIONS: Although international students possess adequate knowledge of STDs, multiple behavioral and systemic barriers limit effective screening practices. Targeted interventions, including culturally sensitive education, improved accessibility to services, and the promotion of confidential testing options, are essential to enhance screening uptake and improve public health outcomes
METHODS: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 101 international students at the university of Pecs. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected via an online questionnaire incorporating validated instruments, including the HIV Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire and STD awareness scales. Inclusion criteria included international student status and voluntary participation. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v 28.0.1, applying descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and correlation analysis with significance set at p<0.05.
RESULTS: HIV testing rates were high (97.0%), while bacterial STD testing remained low: syphilis (26.7%), gonorrhea (22.8%). Knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention was strong (94 100% correct). Key motivators included symptoms (89.1%) and low-cost services (83.2%). Major barriers were language difficulties (98.0%), lack of awareness of testing locations (95.0%) and cultural stigma (74.3%). 82.2% agreed that international students face greater barriers than domestic students. A positive correlation was identified between STD knowledge and attitudes towards screening (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed between screening behavior and psychological factors such as fear, stigma, and privacy concerns (p < 0.05). A moderate negative correlation was found between fear and willingness to undergo testing (r = -0.39, p < 0.01). Structural barriers were significantly associated with reduced screening uptake (p < 0.05)
CONCLUSIONS: Although international students possess adequate knowledge of STDs, multiple behavioral and systemic barriers limit effective screening practices. Targeted interventions, including culturally sensitive education, improved accessibility to services, and the promotion of confidential testing options, are essential to enhance screening uptake and improve public health outcomes
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-11, ISPOR Europe 2026, Vienna, Austria
Value in Health, Volume 29, Issue 12S
Code
EPH246
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health
Topic Subcategory
Public Health
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas, Reproductive & Sexual Health