Self-reported sexually transmitted infections and associated risk factors among female university students

The spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is an ongoing public health challenge, and awareness of risk factors is essential for designing effective preventive interventions. This study aimed to assess self-reported STI occurrences and identify risk factors and sexual behaviors associated with STIs among female university students.

This is a cross-sectional, online questionnaire study, including 384 female university students seeking contraceptive counseling at a gynecology clinic in Uppsala, Sweden, and reporting having had sex. Associated risk factors and behaviors were assessed by comparing those who reported STIs and those who did not.

The mean age of participants was 22.8 years. Seventy-eight (20%) had contracted at least one STI, with seven (9%) experiencing multiple infections. Seventy-three (94%) reported first-date sexual activity without a condom among STI experienced. Chlamydia trachomatis was the most common STI pathogen (68% of all infections), followed by Herpes simplex virus (18%) and Mycoplasma genitalium (13%). Behavioral factors associated with self-reported STIs were first-date sexual activity without a condom, not using condom at first intercourse, younger age at first intercourse, a higher number of sexual partners overall and in the last 12 months, experience of anal sex, dating app usage, and regretting sexual activity after substance use (P < 0.003 for all).

Condom use was low among the respondents, and STIs were common regardless of the high level of education in this group. Contraceptive counseling needs to highlight the importance of condom use in addition to contraceptive efficacy. It is also essential to consider the specific risk factors and behaviors prevalent among young adults to reduce the spread of STIs.