Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Dr. Aimee Ferraro

Abstract

AbstractEvery year there are approximately 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States, and half of these are among young adults. Stark County, Ohio recently experienced an increase in chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases among 18- to 24-year-old individuals. Public health practitioners have since called for research regarding factors that affect STD knowledge and perceptions in this population. This cross-sectional study was guided by the social-ecological model and assessed the association between attendance at a religious-affiliated institution, access to comprehensive sex education, and STD knowledge. One hundred thirty-eight (n=138) participants, aged 18 to 24 years, were recruited and surveyed from three local agencies that provide STD testing and other sexual health services. Multiple linear regression, Spearman’s Correlation, and independent-sample t tests were used to determine if STD knowledge score was affected by age, gender, access to comprehensive sex education, and attendance at a religious-affiliated university, college, and/or secondary school. The results of the study did not demonstrate a significant difference in STD knowledge scores between those who attended a religious-affiliated university, college, and/or secondary school versus those who did not attend one. However, there was a significant difference in STD knowledge scores between older participants compared to younger participants (ß = .323, p = .004). These findings may contribute to current STD prevention efforts and inform local community members and health professionals of the need for tailored and new STD interventions for the young adult age group. This could influence positive social change and reduce STD rates among young adults in Stark County, Ohio.

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