THE NEED TO RAISE AWARENESS OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AMONG DENTAL UNDERGRADUATES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES – A NARRATIVE REVIEW
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Keywords
Awareness, Dental undergraduates, Developing countries, Education, Sexually Transmitted Infections
Abstract
In developing nations, the frequency of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), a serious public health issue, is alarmingly high. Dental students are a distinct population within the healthcare system, and their level of understanding and preparedness to manage STIs can have an impact on public health outcomes. This review analyses the effects of low STI awareness among dentistry students through a sociological and scientific lens, investigates the causes of this knowledge gap, and suggests recommendations for educational improvements. To that purpose, we chose relevant scientific publications published in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus scientific information databases using specific selection criteria. By addressing this matter, we hope to advance thorough sexual health education and equip dental students with the tools they need to make a meaningful contribution to STI prevention and control initiatives
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Dr. Rohan Shinkre
Research Consultant, Central Research Wing, KLE Society's Institute of Dental Sciences,Bengaluru,Karnataka
+91-8788810421, Orcid ID: 0000-0001-6693- 6344
Shayori Mitra
Special Educator, weCan Learning Resource Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Dr. Pooja Balurkar
Research Consultant, KVG Dental College, Sullia, Karnataka
Dr Pallavi Pawar
Senior lecturer, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Tatyasaheb Kore Dental College and Research Centre, New Pargaon, Kolhapur, Maharashtra
Dr. Sujithra S B
Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health Dentistry, D.A Pandu Memorial RV Dental College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Dr. Anjana Sathyanath
Adjunct Faculty, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Life and Allied Health Sciences, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka