Date Approved

2017

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Health Promotion and Human Performance

Committee Member

Susan McCarthy

Committee Member

Megan Sterling

Committee Member

Chris Herman

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess Eastern Michigan University (EMU) male graduate students’ knowledge and perceptions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and their transmission, prevention, testing, and treatment in relation to age and previous STI education. The 160 participants took an online survey containing 38 items. The only significant finding was that males in the older age group (32–45 years) perceived genital herpes to be more severe than males in the younger age group (21–31 years). The majority of participants answered the STI knowledge questions correctly. Participant responses indicated that there are misconceptions surrounding the transmission of STIs. Most participants indicated that pregnancy prevention and STI protection were the main benefits to condom use, whereas perceived loss of physical sensation and enjoyment of sexual activities were identified as barriers. Sexual health programming could benefit from incorporating information on STI transmission and minimizing concerns of sensation loss when using condoms.

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