SELF-ASSESSMENT OF WORKING YOUTH IN KURSK REGION OF SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED INFECTION PROBLEMS IN COMPARISON WITH STUDENTS

The relevance of studying knowledge and attitudes on the prevention of sexually transmitted infections among working youth is associated with the highest incidence of STIs in the corresponding age category, an increase in risk factors relevant to it, and insufficient attention to the subgroup of workers during medical and social research in recent years. The research program included a survey of 1 587 students and 413 representatives of working youth under 29 years of age; the survey examined the self-assessment of the relevance of the problem and attitudes in terms of preventing sexually transmitted infections. The results showed that among working youth, the prevalence of objective self-assessment of the risk of contracting STIs is lower than among students, but the frequency of misconceptions about the connection of the disease exclusively with frequent change of partners is higher. The distribution of self-assessments of the remote consequences of the disease is comparable: about 85 - 90% recognize the presence of a partially reversible risk to reproductive health. The willingness of working youth to undergo screening examinations for sexually transmitted infections is significantly lower than that of students (65.1±4.7% versus 70.5±2.3%), but understanding the risks to the course of pregnancy and fetal development equally acts as a motivating factor for routine examination in preparation for conception (88% of workers and students). In the event of symptoms or detection of a sexually transmitted infection, both workers and students have a prevalent intention to seek medical help in private clinics. At the same time, workers are more likely to conceal the disease from both specialists and sexual partners. Having compared the data of a survey of workers in 2024 with the data of students in 2017, approximately corresponding to the period of study of current young specialists, we showed the stability over time of underestimation of the risk of infection and an increase in interest in self-medication. The final conclusion showed the need to continue explanatory work with young people after graduation, with the main emphasis on motivating regular examinations, using protective equipment and combating self-medication.