Information about sexually transmitted diseases among undergraduate students in Tirana, Albania.

BACKGROUND Lack of information about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is associated with increased risk for acquiring such diseases. Our aim was to assess the level of information about STDs obtained from selected sources and its association with socio-demographic characteristics among undergraduate students in Tirana, Albania. METHODS An anonymous questionnaire survey was carried out among 729 undergraduate students (76% women) at the University of Tirana in October and November 2002. RESULTS Overall, television, radio and school were reported by the students to be the most accessible sources of information about STDs. Multiple regression analysis showed that students with a higher parental education and income, and urban-resident students have better access to sources of information about STDs. CONCLUSIONS In transitional countries, prevention programs should include a main focus on students from rural areas, and students pertinent to low-educated and low-income families.