Exploring the need for sexually transmitted infection education among university student athletes in Saskatchewan

TL;DR

University student athletes in Saskatchewan have limited knowledge about sexually transmitted infections, suggesting a need for better education and accessible information delivery methods.

Contribution

This study assesses STI knowledge and preferred education methods among Canadian university athletes, a group with increased STI risk but limited prior research.

Findings

Participants scored a median of 44% on an objective STI knowledge test.

67% of participants received sexual health information from a physician.

Online modules were the most preferred method for receiving sexual health information.

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common in young adults in Canada and their prevalence is rising. Assessing sexual health knowledge among young adults is essential for developing effective STI education strategies. However, there is limited research on the sexual health knowledge of Canadian university athletes, who have increased risks of STIs.

To determine perceived and objective levels of knowledge on STIs among university athletes and their preferred methods of knowledge translation regarding sexual health information.

U SPORTS athletes at the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina were invited to complete an electronic survey between January–March 2022. Participants completed the Sexual Transmitted Disease Knowledge Questionnaire (STD-KQ) and self-reported their confidence in their answers. Participants were asked about testing beliefs, where they receive their sexual health information and their preferred format for STI information delivery.

One hundred participants completed the survey (14% response rate). Participants had a median composite self-reported STI knowledge score of 2.8 out of 5 (interquartile range [IQR]: 2.4–3.6). The median participant scored 12 out of 27 (44%) on the STD-KQ (IQR: 8–17). Sixty-seven percent of participants received sexual health information from a physician. Sixty-one percent of participants believed embarrassment may prevent them from getting tested or screened. The three most popular methods of health information sharing were online modules (34%), in-person lectures/conferences (24%) and self-paced videos (20%).

This study highlighted that STI knowledge is limited in university athletes. Comprehensive online educational interventions may be effective at improving knowledge.