Knowledge on sexually transmitted infections and dedicated healthcare centers among Italian adults: insights from a nationwide cross-sectional study

Background Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are a global concern. In Italy, despite the presence of publicly funded STI diagnostic centers, limited attention has been given to the knowledge of these services among the adult population. This study primarily aimed to evaluate Italian adults' knowledge about STI and dedicated health care centers. Secondarily, it explored condom usage behaviors. Methods Conducted nationwide, this cross-sectional study used an online questionnaire. The primary outcomes included knowledge of dedicated STI centers and scores on the Sexually Transmitted Disease Knowledge Questionnaire (STD-KQ); secondary outcomes included inconsistent condom usage rates during various forms of intercourse. Results With a participant count of 1036, results indicated that only 36% were aware of dedicated STI centers. The median STD-KQ score was 11 (interquartile range, 6–15). Multivariable regression models unveiled factors significantly associated with knowledge. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals, health care workers, and those with higher STD-KQ scores exhibited greater STI centers' awareness. Better STD-KQ scores correlated with higher education levels, substance use, past STI diagnosis, and health care employment. Around 80% of the sample reported inconsistent condom use during different forms of intercourse. Although enhanced knowledge correlated with increased condom use, certain groups exhibited discrepancies between knowledge of STI and actual condom use. Conclusions These findings emphasize the need for targeted awareness campaigns to enhance accessibility to STI centers, underscoring the necessity for multifaceted interventions beyond information dissemination to address suboptimal condom usage. In providing insights into STI knowledge and behaviors among Italian adults, this research informs interventions and policy adjustments to combat STI.