Knowledge, Preventive Practices, and Risk Behaviors Related to Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Adolescent and Young Adult Students at a Faculty of Dentistry in Costa Rica

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major global public health concern, particularly among young people. Dentists play a key role in the early detection of STIs, given their oral manifestations; however, gaps persist between STI knowledge and preventive behaviors among young people, including dental students. To assess knowledge and risk behaviors related to STIs dental students aged 18-25 years at a university in Costa Rica. A cross-sectional, email-based survey was administered to students aged 18-25 years between May and July 2025. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, STI knowledge, preventive practices, and sources of information. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used, with a significance level of p<0.05. A total of 294 students participated, the majority of whom were women and early-year students; 74.2% reported sexual activity. Overall STI knowledge was predominantly moderate, while prevention knowledge was high. Gaps were identified regarding bacterial STIs and hepatitis B transmission. Age, academic year, and history of sexual activity were significantly associated with higher knowledge levels. Among sexually active participants, consistent condom use during vaginal intercourse was 61.1% but was substantially lower for oral sex (4.7%). Only 38.9% undergone STI testing, and 3.5% reported a previous STI diagnosis. A weak positive correlation was found between STI knowledge and STI prevention knowledge (rs=0.21, p=0.001). Although dental students demonstrate moderate STI knowledge, gaps and risk behaviors persist, particularly regarding oral transmission and prevention, highlighting the need to enhance comprehensive sexual health education.