The Relationship Between Sexual Education and Adolescent Knowledge about STIs in Waimangura Village, Southwest Sumba

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a significant public health problem in Indonesia, particularly among adolescents in rural and remote
areas. Waimangura Village in Southwest Sumba Regency is one of theregions with limited access to reproductive health education, making adolescents vulnerable to the risks of STIs. This study aims to analyze the relationship between sexual education and the level of adolescent knowledge about STIs in Waimangura Village, Southwest Sumba. This research used a cross-sectional analytic study design. The sample consisted of 85 adolescents aged 15–24 years selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires covering sexual education exposure and STI knowledge. Data analysis used the chi-square test with a significance level of p < 0.05. The results showed that 64.7% of respondents had received sexual education, and 58.8% demonstrated good knowledge about STIs. Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between sexual education and adolescent knowledge about STIs (p = 0.002, OR = 4.23). Adolescents who received comprehensive sexual education were significantly more likely to have good knowledge about STIs compared to those who had not. Sexual education plays an important role in improving adolescent knowledge about STIs. Strengthening school-based reproductive health programs and community health promotion activities is recommended to increase STI awareness among adolescents in remote areas