Title : Misinformation and stigma: Barriers to STI prevention among Albanian youth
Abstract:
Background: Sexual health awareness and the uptake of STI prevention services remain critically low among young people in Albania. National data show limited use of condoms, low STI testing rates, and insufficient sexual health education. While misinformation and stigma are frequently cited as possible contributing factors, empirical evidence on their influence in the Albanian context is lacking.
This study addresses that gap by examining how misinformation (e.g., reliance on social media and STI myths) and stigma (e.g., embarrassment around condom use or discussing sexual health) are associated with young people’s knowledge, preventive behaviors, and engagement with healthcare services.
Findings aim to inform public health strategies by identifying key barriers and actionable entry points for intervention.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 7,679 university students in Albania. Data were collected on STI knowledge, sources of information, stigma indicators, and healthcare access. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, logistic regression, and Pearson correlation. To contextualize our findings, relevant literature and official reports were reviewed for Western European data.
Results: Reliance on social media correlated with lower STI awareness and inconsistent condom use (p<0.001). Only 54% of participants reported adequate sexual health education, and embarrassment purchasing condoms increased the odds of inconsistent use (OR=2.5, p<0.001). STI testing rates remained below 15% in Albania, compared to over 60% in Western Europe. Knowing where to access STI testing significantly increased knowledge scores (p<0.001).
Conclusions: Misinformation and stigma hinder STI prevention, resulting in inadequate testing and low condom use. Strengthening sexual health education, improving youth-friendly testing, and combating stigma are essential to reduce the STI burden.
Main message: Misinformation and stigma hinder STI prevention among Albanian youth: they need comprehensive sex education, accessible testing, open dialogue, digital platforms for greater progress.
