Midwifery students' knowledge levels regarding sexually transmitted diseases were found to be insufficient, with an average STD Knowledge Test score of 14.49±3.83, and significant factors influencing knowledge differed between eastern and western Turkish university students.
The overall average score on the STD Knowledge Test among midwifery students was 14.49±3.83, indicating insufficient knowledge levels.
Western university midwifery students scored slightly higher (14.63±3.60) on the STD Knowledge Test compared to eastern university students (13.98±4.58).
For western university students, STD knowledge scores were significantly associated with year of study, place of residence, and prior sexual health education.
For eastern university students, STD knowledge scores were significantly associated with age, year of study, social security status, and university-based sexual health education.
The study identified that significant factors influencing STD knowledge differed between students from eastern and western Turkish universities, suggesting regional differences in determinants of STD knowledge.
This research compared how much midwifery students at two Turkish universities — one in the eastern region and one in the western region — know about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The study found that students at both universities had inadequate knowledge of STDs, with an average test score of about 14.49 out of a possible total. Students at the western university scored slightly higher on average than those at the eastern university, though both groups showed room for improvement. The study also found that different factors were linked to higher STD knowledge depending on which university students attended. For western university students, things like how far along they were in their studies, where they lived, and whether they had received sexual health education previously were associated with better knowledge. For eastern university students, age, year of study, whether they had social security coverage, and receiving sexual health education at university were the key factors. This suggests that regional, socioeconomic, and educational differences across Turkey may shape how much midwifery students learn about STDs. This research suggests that midwifery training programs in Turkey — particularly in underserved or less resourced regions — may need to invest more in comprehensive sexual health education. Since midwives play a key role in reproductive and sexual healthcare, gaps in their STD knowledge could affect the quality of care they provide to patients. The authors recommend developing stronger educational activities and ensuring students have access to accurate and reliable information about STDs.
Yeşiltepe A, Ulucan M, Akan A, Can H. (2025). Sexually transmitted diseases-related knowledge levels of midwifery students studying at two different universities: A comparative study.. African journal of reproductive health. https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i7.5