Abstract Background: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain a major public-health concern among young adults, including medical students who are future healthcare providers. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices related to STDs among medical students at Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 384 male and female medical students was conducted using purposive and convenience sampling. Data were collected through a structured, self-administered questionnaire distributed both physically and electronically. Participation was voluntary and confidential. Results: The classification of overall knowledge and attitude was based on predefined cut-off scores and supported by consistent trends across multiple knowledge and attitude domains. Most respondents (89%) were aware of common STDs such as human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome and gonorrhoea; however, only 67% correctly identified chlamydia as an STD, while 28% believed transmission could occur through casual contact. Knowledge of asymptomatic infections was limited among 45% of participants. Although 74% recognized the importance of STD prevention, 38% expressed discomfort discussing sexual health, indicating persistent stigma. Preventive behaviours varied: 67% reported consistent condom use, 21% admitted to unprotected sex and 34% had never undergone voluntary STD testing. Conclusion: Despite high general awareness, substantial gaps in knowledge, misconceptions and inconsistent preventive practices persist among medical students. Strengthening stigma-free, evidence-based sexual health education is essential to enhance students’ competence and advocacy as future health professionals in STD prevention and control.
Banimoh et al. (Wed,) studied this question.