Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections in South Carolina: a Cross-Sectional Survey and Comparison to Geographically-Associated Social Determinants of Health
Abstract
Sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates are on the rise in the United States. South Carolina ranks consistently among the states with the highest STD burdens, especially for the bacterial diseases gonorrhea and chlamydia. This study sought to determine the opinions, beliefs, and knowledgebase of South Carolina citizens regarding STDs and sexual health/education. In doing so, the study seeks to identify areas of improvement for educators, healthcare workers, and public health employees. Using a web-based cross-sectional survey, this study contacted approximately 900,000 South Carolina residents for participation. Participants were asked a variety of questions focused on STD knowledge, opinions, and practices. Knowledge-based questions formed a knowledge score which was used to compare against the responses to opinion/attitude-based questions. Furthermore, responses were mapped geographically across South Carolina zip-codes.