Abstract
Introduction Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which contribute to a significant amount of mortality and morbidity in the reproductive life of adults, are infections that can be prevented by healthy sexual behavior and education about the same. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude toward STIs and contraceptive use among patients attending the Venereology Outpatient Department (OPD). Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among patients more than 18 years of age attending the Venereology OPD, Government Medical College and Hospital, Thiruvallur, India, from March to May 2024. The sample size was calculated to be 458. Data were collected using a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire divided into four sections: sociodemographic characteristics, sexual risk behavior and their awareness of contraceptive use, knowledge of STI symptoms and transmission, and attitude of the patients toward STIs. Ethical approval (IEC/4/2022 dated 08.02.2024) and participant consent were obtained. Statistical analysis, including the chi-square test, was performed and results were presented. Results Of the study population, 50.4% were males, 49.1% were females, and 0.4% (n=2) were transgender individuals. STI screening and treatment rates were 22.1% and 19.4%, respectively. Contraceptive use was highest among bisexual individuals (50%), followed by homosexual (15%) and heterosexual individuals (11.8%). Similarly, treatment for STIs was reported in 55% of homosexuals, 50% of bisexuals, and 15.8% of heterosexuals. Among participants with multiple sexual partners, 30% reported contraceptive use as compared to less than 10% of those with single partners. Treatment for STIs was also higher in participants with multiple partners (65.2%) as compared to those with single partners (11.5%). The median knowledge score about STIs was 6.32, with only 44.3% of participants demonstrating good knowledge. The median attitude score was 52.63, with 44.3% showing a positive attitude toward STIs. Conclusion The overall knowledge and attitude towards STIs were below par. Thus, the current study has found the need for sexual health education among patients and to create awareness of contraceptive use to fill gaps in existing knowledge, which can further reduce the risk of STIs among them.