Knowledge, Attitude and Preventive Practices Toward Sexually Transmitted Infections among College Students of Sikkim Manipal University: An Institutional‑Based Cross‑Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Objective: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major global public health concern, with young people especially university students bearing a substantial share of the burden due to limited awareness and high-risk behaviours. Despite this vulnerability, Sikkim lacks context-specific data on STI knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices among non-medical college students. This study aimed to address this gap by assessing STI-related awareness and behaviours among undergraduate students of Sikkim Manipal University. Methodology: A cross‑sectional study was conducted among 192 students using proportionate stratified and systematic sampling. Data were collected through validated structured questionnaires on socio‑demographics, STI knowledge, a 4‑point Likert attitude scale, and self‑reported preventive practices. Descriptive and inferential statistics including chi‑square test, Fisher’s exact test, and Pearson correlation were used. Results: Most students were unmarried (99%), heterosexual (98.4%), and from nuclear families (68.2%). Overall, 76% had moderate knowledge, 21.4% had inadequate knowledge, and only 2.6% had adequate knowledge. Half of the students had unfavorable attitudes and the remaining half had neutral attitudes; none displayed favorable attitudes. Preventive practices were poor among 49% of the students, fair in another 49%, and good among only 2%. Knowledge was weakly but significantly correlated with attitude (r = 0.213, p = 0.003). Significant associations were found between knowledge with age and family type; attitude with age, family type, and semester; and preventive practices with semester. Conclusion: Moderate knowledge did not translate into favorable attitudes or safe practices. There is an urgent need for comprehensive, culturally sensitive, university‑based STI education, peer‑led interventions, and expanded access to preventive services. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Sexual Behavior, Students, Attitude, Preventive Health Services.