Rural high school students' knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to sexually transmitted diseases

High school students are at high risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). A sample of 69 rural high school students from the province of Alberta, Canada were surveyed regarding their knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to STDs to ascertain whether they differ from urban students. Results indicate that rural and urban high school students are similar in terms of knowledge about STDs, attitudes towards their prevention and also in terms of sexual behaviours. As with other studies, behaviours lagged behind knowledge and attitudes with reported condom use low. Sexual decision making was influenced mainly by the peer group. Males and females were mainly influenced by the same factors which include the willingness of their partner, the behaviours of their friends and family, concern about contracting a STD. These data emphasize the need to implement primary prevention programs for high school aged youth in rural as well as urban settings.