Evaluation of Community Pharmacists’ Knowledge and Awareness Levels Regarding Sexually Transmitted Diseases: The Case of Edirne Province

Objective: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a significant public health problem due to their associated morbidity and potential impact on community health. Community pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare professionals and play an important role in providing counselling and guidance on sexual health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge and awareness regarding STIs among community pharmacists working in Edirne Province and to determine whether these levels differ according to gender and year of graduation. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 community pharmacists working in Edirne Province were included. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire developed based on the literature and administered face-to-face. Knowledge levels regarding STIs were assessed using a 28-item, 5-point Likert-type scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Normality, skewness, and kurtosis values were examined, and comparisons between groups were performed using the independent samples t-test. Results: The mean STI knowledge score of the participants was 106.18 ± 9.21. The mean score was 107.38 ± 10.87 for male participants and 104.88 ± 6.99 for female participants, with no statistically significant difference between genders (p > 0.05). Pharmacists who graduated before 2005 had a mean score of 102.52 ± 8.39, whereas those who graduated in 2005 or later had a higher mean score of 109.30 ± 8.86, indicating a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Community pharmacists demonstrated a generally adequate level of knowledge regarding STIs; however, some knowledge gaps were identified. Higher knowledge levels among pharmacists graduating after 2005 may reflect the positive impact of curricular changes in pharmacy education.