STD awareness at ‘alarmingly’ poor levels

Some nine in 10 Belgians believe they run little to no risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD), but a large number of them do not know how STDs are transmitted. The figures come from an online survey conducted by study bureau Ipsos, which assessed STD awareness among nearly 1,100 Belgians aged between 16 and 70.

Although about half of respondents considered themselves well-informed, basic information about STDs and transmission turned out to be quite limited. About one-quarter of respondents had no idea how infection occurs.

One-third of the respondents didn’t realise that STDs can be transmitted through unprotected sex. And 65% believed that oral sex posed no risk at all.

The sponsors of the study – Flemish sexual health centre Sensoa, its French-speaking counterpart Plate-Forme Prévention Sida and condom producer Durex – called the findings “alarming”. They have named November as the “Month of Prevention”.

Brochures will be distributed among 500 chemists across the country, and condoms and red ribbons – symbols of the battle against HIV/Aids – will be distributed at the main train stations. A Facebook campaign with videos is being launched as well, to raise more awareness among youngsters on the use of condoms. The campaign will end on 1 December, World Aids Day.

Photo: Ingimage