STI Prevention in Different Cultural Contexts: A Comparative Study of Knowledge and Attitudes in Eswatini and Egypt

M. Mahmoud, Shymaa; Shongwe, Mpendulo; O. Imam, Mohanned; Abdelaziz Imam, Osama Mohamed

doi:10.21608/bjas.2025.345761.1557

STI Prevention in Different Cultural Contexts: A Comparative Study of Knowledge and Attitudes in Eswatini and Egypt

Document Type : Original Research Papers

Authors

¹ Senior lecturer of Applied Microbiology -Department of Medical laboratory sciences - Southern Africa Nazarene University(SANU)

² Department of medical laboratory sciences -Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU)

³ Medical school of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University

⁴ (M.B.B.Ch) Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine - Benha University

10.21608/bjas.2025.345761.1557

Abstract

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have a significant impact on reproductive and sexual health on a global scale. Every day, over one million sexually transmitted infections are developed. Aim: To compare the attitudes and knowledge related to sexually transmitted infection prevention in two culturally distinct contexts- Eswatini and Egypt. Patients and methods: This comparative research has been performed on 800 cases classified into two groups: 400 patients in Egypt group and 400 cases in Eswatini group. A self-administered questionnaire was applied to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards STI. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the Egyptian and Eswatini groups regarding participants' attitudes and knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Egyptians generally exhibited a more positive, open, and treatment-oriented approach, while participants from Eswatini showed more uncertainty, hesitation, and stigma surrounding STIs. In contrast, no statistically significant difference was observed between the Egyptian and Eswatini groups regarding their views on the importance of STI screening. Conclusions: A significant difference was observed regarding social status, living place, and living conditions, as well as in the attitudes of participants towards HIV. Furthermore, there was a notable difference in the knowledge and attitudes of participants towards sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A highly statistically significant increase in knowledge about STI transmission and prevention was observed in the Egyptian group.

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