Factors Associated with Knowledge and Awareness of Syphilis Among the Youths Visiting Family Planning Clinics, Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

Objective: This was to determine factors associated with knowledge and awareness of syphilis prevention among youths who visited PPAT family planning clinics, Bangkok, Thailand.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaires among 15–24-year-old youths. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine an association between socio-demographic factors and knowledge, awareness level of syphilis prevention.
Results: Total 207 participants were recruited by purposive sampling technique. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that employment status, living status, frequency of condom use, reproductive health education, and history of reproductive health service use had a significant association with knowledge level of syphilis prevention. Furthermore, our study found that knowledge level of syphilis prevention and history of reproductive health service use had a significant association with awareness level.
Conclusion: The youths are generally recognized as a vulnerable population for syphilis infection. According the change of social condition, globalization, and technology; these things influence sexual behavior among the youths. Therefore, it is important for public health workers to understand the associated with knowledge and awareness regarding syphilis prevention in order to develop a novel strategy to control over the epidemic of syphilis among the youths in Thailand.