Objective: To evaluate the young adults' awareness of sexually transmitted diseases, complications, prevention and management.
Methods: The descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from September 4, 2017, to September 4, 2018, in Karachi, and comprised residents of the city aged 18-35 years of either gender. Data was collected from January 1 to March 31, 2018, using an online questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 21.
Results: Of the 413 subjects, 245(59.3%) were females. The overall mean age was 24.7±4.76 years, and the mean household income was Rs2,18,294±205434. Of the total, 342(83%) had not heard the term 'sexually transmitted diseases'. Knowledge regarding transmission and complications of common sexually transmitted diseases was also low 293(56.4%). Leading source of sexual health knowledge was media 182(44%). Awareness levels differed significantly by age, educational level, field of study, occupation and educational level of the parents (p<0.05).
Conclusions: There was deficiency in terms of knowledge and awareness regarding sexually transmitted diseases.
Keywords: STDs, STIs, Sexually transmitted diseases, Sexual and reproductive health, Adolescents, SRH.