Islamic university students’ attitudes on sexually transmitted diseases: a case study based on University of Colombo

Abstract

Similar to all religions, Islamic thoughts impact sexual attitudes and connected issues. STDs are a global health issue spreading rapidly. The most vulnerable are youth, aged 15 – 24. However, youth are heterogeneous, and religion plays a key role in framing attitudes related to sexual behavior and its consequences such as STDs. Since Islam prohibits certain behavior connected to spreading of STDs, Muslim youth are considered having attitudes reducing the risk of contracting STDs. This research aims to identify attitudes regarding STDs among Islamic university youth. Seventy respondents were selected for the analysis. Data were collected through questionnaires in 2016. Respondents’ STD knowledge was relatively low. Most had negative attitudes about condom use, as protective mechanism. However, majority disapproved extramarital sex, which is a positive sign. Students were keen to learn more about STDs. This research proposes panel discussions, compulsory lectures and counseling for knowledge enhancement and attitude change regarding STDs.