Level of Knowledge and Demographic Influences on Chlamydia Awareness: A Descriptive Analysis

This study analyzed the level of knowledge regarding chlamydia and the effect of demographic variables of gender, age, marital status, and level of education. Results showed high knowledge levels and no significant influence of demographic factors on knowledge.

Please start the assignment from here:
Data Analysis
Descriptive statistics were performed: Frewquency analysis, Cross tabulation
with chi square tests
4.0 Results
To fulfil the aim and objectives of present research the data collected from 100 respondents
was subjected to descriptive analysis. This was done in order to analyse the level of
knowledge of regarding chlamydia, and the effect of demographic variables of gender, age,
marital status, and level of education. The demographic information of the respondent
population is as shown in Table 1. The maximum proportion of respondent population
belonged to the age group 23-23 years (28%), with 70 % females. A large proportion of
student reported their level of study as bachelors (51%), followed by postgraduate
coursework (40%). The majority of respondent population was married (53%), followed by
those who were single (41%). Therefore, the respondent population allows for a balanced
observation of knowledge between married and single individuals. However, the population
is biased in terms of gender, as females compose major percentage of population.
Age
Percent
18-22 years 23.0
23-27 years 28.0
28-32 years 26.0
33-37 years 10.0
38-42 years 5.0
43-47 years 4.0
48 or above 4.0
Gender

Male 30
Female 70
Total 100
Level of study
Bachelor 51.0
Post-graduate coursework 40.0
Post graduate research 9.0
Marital Status
Single 41.0
Married 53.0
Widow 1.0
Divorced 3.0
Never married 2.0
Table 1: Demographic details of respondent population
4.1 Level of knowledge
To assess the level of knowledge the questionnaire responses were analysed to observe the
percentage distribution of responses as per the general facts (GF), chlamydia symptoms in
females (CF), and chlamydia symptoms in males (CM). The level of knowledge regarding the
general facts is shown in Table 2. It was observed that respondents had fairly high knowledge
regarding the general facts concerning chlamydia, as almost all of the questions (except for
GF7 & GF10) were answered correctly by more than half of population. As seen from Figure
1, the majority (79%) of all study respondents correctly reported the knowledge regarding
contracting chlamydia more than once. Also, a large proportion of survey respondents (76%)
knew that chlamydia could be contracted not only by females. Correspondingly 75% of the
respondents correctly reports that chlamydia can affect fertility in females, and the disease
can be get rid of.
Correct responses (%)

GF1 65
GF2 68
GF3 59
GF4 76
GF5 54
GF6 75
GF7 42
GF8 75
GF9 79
GF10 41
GF11 68
Table 2: Percentage of respondents reporting correct responses
Figure 1: Percentage distribution of respondents concerning general chlamydia facts
Further, the respondent population was tested for their level of knowledge concerning
chlamydia symptoms in males and female. As seen from Table 3 it is evident that more than
half of the population correctly identified the symptoms of chlamydia in females, therefore
the overall level of knowledge could be inferred as high. As shown in Figure 2, majority of

the population identified unusual discharge as a symptom (84%), whereas on the other 81%
of the respondents also identified dizziness not as a symptom of chlamydia.
Table 3: Percentage of correct responses for chlamydia symptoms in females
Figure 2: Percentage distribution of respondents concerning level of knowledge of symptoms in
females
Table 4 shows the percentage of correct responses regarding the chlamydia symptoms in
males. It can be seen that more than half of the population correctly identified the symptoms
of chlamydia in males correctly, therefore the overall level of knowledge could be inferred as
high. As shown in Figure 3, majority of the population identified pain and burning when
urinating as a symptom (74%), whereas on the other hand 82% of the respondents identified
dizziness not as a symptom of chlamydia. For symptoms in both males and females the
highest percentage of respondents identified Dizziness as not a symptom of chlamydia.
Correct responses (%)
CF1 84.0
CF2 77.0
CF3 81.0
CF4 70.0
CF5 58.0
CF6 55.0

Correct responses (%)
CM1 68.0
CM2 74.0
CM3 82.0
CM4 78.0
CM5 55.0
CM6 58.0
CM7 64.0
Table 4: Percentage of correct responses for chlamydia symptoms in males
Figure 3: Percentage distribution of respondents concerning level of knowledge of symptoms in males
4.2 Level of knowledge influenced by age, marital status, and education level
The data was analyzed according to the study settings, to assess the influence of age, marital
status, and education level of knowledge. The results were obtained as shown below.
4.2.1 Age
The influence of age on level of knowledge concerning chlamydia was obtained as shown in
Table 5, 6, and 7. The people belonging to the age group 23-27 years of age reported highest
percentage of correct responses for highest number of statements. The majority of the

respondents belonging to the age group of 23-27 years correctly reported the identification of
chlamydia from Pap smear test (32%), pain or stinging while urinating (31%), itch or rash for
females (31%), and males (33%). The comparison of responses between different age groups
showed the difference to be insignificant for all the statements as the chi square values were
>0.001. Therefore, it can be inferred that for the given respondent population age doesn’t not
exert any significant influence on level of knowledge concerning chlamydia.
18-22
years
(%)
23-27
years
(%)
28-32
years
(%)
33-37
years
(%)
38-42
years
(%)
43-47
years
(%)
48 or
above
(%)
Chi
square
P
value
GF1 26 23 26 8 6 6 5 .714
GF2 22 25 24 10 7 6 6 .795
GF3 22 24 29 7 7 7 5 .515
GF4 24 28 26 11 4 5 3 .959
GF5 26 24 26 7 7 7 2 .327
GF6 24 23 24 12 7 5 5 .471
GF7 26 29 26 5 0 10 5 .217
GF8 24 28 27 9 5 3 4 .536
GF9 24 29 25 8 5 5 4 .845
GF10 24 32 27 10 5 0 2 .676
GF11 29 21 19 12 7 6 6 .043
Table 5: Percentage distribution of respondents concerning general chlamydia facts with respect to
age
Age
18-22
years
(%)
23-27
years
(%)
28-32
years
(%)
33-37
years
(%)
38-42
years
(%)
43-47
years
(%)
48 or
above
(%)
Chi
square
P value
CF1 23 26 29 8 6 5 4 .494

CF2 26 31 23 8 5 4 3 .351
CF3 23 28 26 9 5 4 5 .930
CF4 26 30 23 9 6 4 3 .745
CF5 17 29 26 12 7 5 3 .644
CF6 27 31 20 5 4 7 5
.128
Table 6: Percentage of correct responses for chlamydia symptoms in females with respect to age
Age
18-22
years
(%)
23-27
years
(%)
28-32
years
(%)
33-37
years
(%)
38-42
years
(%)
43-47
years
(%)
48 or
above
(%)
Chi-
square
test
P Value
CM1 22 26 31 7 4 4 3 .673
CM2 27 30 23 8 5 4 2 .466
CM3 23 27 26 10 6 4 4 .880
CM4 27 28 22 10 5 4 3 .561
CM5 25 31 22 9 7 4 1 .627
CM6 24 33 19 9 3 7 3 .229
CM7 17 30 28 13 8 2 2 .124
Table 7 Percentage of correct responses for chlamydia symptoms in males with respect to age
4.2.2 Marital status
The influence of marital status on level of knowledge concerning chlamydia was obtained as
shown in Table 8, 9 and 10. The respondents who were married reported highest percentage
of correct responses for highest number of statements. The majority of the married
respondents knew that chlamydia can effect fertility in men (61%), pain in lower abdomen in
females (57%), and itchiness around groin area for men (57%). The comparison of responses

between different groups showed the difference to be insignificant for all the statements as
the chi square values were >0.001. Therefore, it can be inferred that for the given respondent
population marital status doesn’t not exert any significant influence on level of knowledge
concerning chlamydia.
Marital Status
Single Married Widow Divorced
Never
married
Chi-square
test
P Value
GF1 43 51 0 3 3 .515
GF2 37 56 1 3 3 .822
GF3 34 58 2 3 3 .745
GF4 42 53 0 3 3 .255
GF5 33 61 0 4 2 .405
GF6 39 53 1 4 3 .659
GF7 45 52 0 2 0 .173
GF8 35 59 1 3 3 .497
GF9 42 53 1 1 3 .443
GF10 41 56 0 0 2 .419
GF11 41 51 1 3 3 .705
Table 8: Percentage distribution of respondents concerning general chlamydia facts with respect to
marital status
Marital Status
Single Married Widow Divorced
Never
married
Chi-square test
P Value
CF1 40 54 1 2 2 .860
CF2 43 51 0 4 3 .242
CF3 43 51 0 4 2 .171
CF4 40 53 1 3 3 .851
CF5 34 57 2 3 3 .394

CF6 40 51 0 5 4 .245
Table 9: Percentage of correct responses for chlamydia symptoms in females with respect to marital
status
Marital Status
Single Married Widow Divorced
Never
married
Chi-square
test
P Value
CM1 43 50 1 3 3 .751
CM2 42 51 1 3 3 .855
CM3 45 48 1 4 2 .291
CM4 46 49 0 3 3 .097
CM5 42 49 2 4 4 .559
CM6 34 57 0 5 3 .145
CM7 44 53 2 2 0 .225
Table 10: Percentage of correct responses for chlamydia symptoms in males with respect to marital
status
4.2.3 Education level
The influence of education on level of knowledge concerning chlamydia was obtained as
shown in Table 11, 12, and 13. The respondents reporting bachelor’s level of study reported
highest percentage of correct responses for highest number of statements. The majority of the
respondents belonging to the bachelor’s correctly reported that men with chlamydia do not
present symptoms (62%). They also correctly identifies that poll does not prevent STDs
(62%).Further, 53% of the respondents identified pain or stinging when or urinating as a
symptom in females. Also, 56% of the respondents correctly identified dizziness not to be a
symptom of chlamydia in males. The comparison of responses between different groups
showed the difference to be insignificant for all the statements as the chi square values were
>0.001. Therefore, it can be inferred that for the given respondent population education level
does not exert any significant influence on level of knowledge concerning chlamydia.
Level of study
Bachelor Post-graduate Post graduate Chi-square test

coursework research P Value
GF1 60 32 8 .074
GF2 62 29 9 .020
GF3 56 36 8 .558
GF4 57 38 5 .006
GF5 54 39 7 .881
GF6 57 35 8 .121
GF7 48 43 10 .948
GF8 52 40 8 .604
GF9 54 38 8 .702
GF10 54 46 0 .028
GF11 62 29 9 .008
Table 11: Percentage distribution of respondents concerning general chlamydia facts with respect to
education
Level of study
Bachelor
Post-
graduate
coursewor
k
Post
graduate
research
Chi-
square
test
P
Value
CF1 52 40 7 0.327
CF2 53 43 4 .005
CF3 53 41 6 .122
CF4 49 44 7 .327
CF5 52 40 9 .980
CF6 47 40 13 .330

Table 12: Percentage of correct responses for chlamydia symptoms in females with respect to
education level
Level of study
Bachelor
Post-
graduate
coursework
Post
graduat
e
research
Chi-
square
test
P
Value
CM1 50 43 7 .590
CM2 53 43 4 .013
CM3 56 38 6 .028
CM4 54 40 6 .201
CM5 53 42 5 .391
CM6 48 41 10 .762
CM7 53 41 6 .434
Table 13: Percentage of correct responses for chlamydia symptoms in males with respect to education
4.3 Level of knowledge influenced by gender
The data collected from different genders was analysed to observe the level of influence of
gender on knowledge regarding chlamydia. The results showed females to have higher
knowledge regarding the general knowledge about chlamydia, symptoms in females and
males, as shown in Tables 14, 15, and 17. The majority of the female respondents correctly
reported that chlamydia can be detected by Pap smear test (83%). Further, 74% of the
respondents identified pain in lower abdomen as a symptom in females. Also, 73% of the
female respondents correctly identified headache not to be a symptom of chlamydia in males.
The comparison of responses between two genders showed the difference to be insignificant
for all the statements as the chi square values were >0.001. Therefore, it can be inferred that
for the given respondent population gender does not exert any significant influence on level
of knowledge concerning chlamydia.
Gender Chi square
P valueFemale Male

GF1 69 31 .645
GF2 76 24 .031
GF3 75 25 .033
GF4 74 26 .161
GF5 69 31 .784
GF6 72 28 .076
GF7 71 29 .965
GF8 77 23 .021
GF9 71 29 .743
GF10 83 17 .053
GF11 72 28 .078
Table 14: Percentage distribution of respondents concerning general chlamydia facts with respect to
gender
Gender Chi
square
P valueMale Female
CF1 31 69 .634
CF2 43 57 .108
CF3 28 72 .470
CF4 31 69 .634
CF5 26 74 .289
CF6 27 73 .511
Table 15: Percentage of correct responses for chlamydia symptoms in females with respect to gender
Gender Chi
square
P valueMale Female
CM1 32 68 .454
CM2 30 70 .921

CM3 30 70 .820
CM4 27 73 .206
CM5 29 71 .826
CM6 31 69 .791
CM7 31 69 .716
Table 16: Percentage of correct responses for chlamydia symptoms in males with respect to gender
5.0 Discussion
The research methods adopted in the present research were aimed at identification of the level
of knowledge regarding chlamydia in students. The researcher also aimed to investigate the
influence of different demographic variables on the level of knowledge. The descriptive
statistics helped segregate the different groups on the basis of the knowledge exhibited by
them, and the groups of respondents with highest levels of knowledge were identified. The
knowledge about STDs is crucial as these are the most frequently occurring diseases in the
world, and have detrimental impact on sexual health and reproduction of an individual. The
students studying in universities have often been shown to exhibit risky sexual behaviours,
and therefore the research intended to test their knowledge on chlamydia (Eksi & Komurcu,
2014). The overall results obtained from the analysis painted a positive picture, as the
students exhibited high level of knowledge regarding the general facts, and the evident
symptoms in males and females. The study results revealed more than half of the population
to be aware of the required knowledge, which is contrasting with respect to the previous
surveys (Griesinger, Gille, Klapp, Von Otte, & Diedrich, 2007; Pavlin, Gunn, Parker, Fairley,
& Hocking, 2006). The studies reported poor level of knowledge even among the clinical
population, besides the non-clinical population of university students and medical students.
Also, the respondents showed fairly similar level of knowledge for all the statements, except
for their knowledge regarding the association of eye infection with chlamydia. Additionally,
less than 50% of the respondent population was found to be aware that Pap smear test could
help detect chlamydia. This indicated the lack of knowledge about the focused and specific
details regarding chlamydia. The similar findings have previously been reported by Lorimer
& Hart (2010).

Although, the results showed a positive trend of knowledge, the effect of demographic
variables on knowledge levels was not found to be significant. A declining trend could be
seen in the data as the respondents age continued to increase, however the significance test
indicated the differences to be insignificant. However, these findings prove to be in contrast
with the findings of Sales et al. (2012) wherein the respondents belonging to younger age
groups were found to be highly disposed STDs. This indicates towards low levels of
knowledge, however the older age groups although had lower infection rates, they showed
higher risk associated behaviours. Another study by (Abshier, 2015) also showed younger
females to have low levels of health literacy, even though they attended health community
colleges. Therefore, it is suggested to impart health literacy to the student specifically
targeted towards reproductive health and STD infections. Concerning the same the given
respondent population was found to be aware of inadequacy of pill in preventing STDs,
which is yet another contrasting fining obtained from the present research.
The marital status factor was also found to be insignificant in influencing the levels of
knowledge. However, these findings prove to be in contrast with research conducted KC
Kumar, Karki, & Niraula (2013) by wherein marital status was found to have a significant
association with knowledge regarding STDs. The education regarding STDs helps the
concerned individuals to know more about the preventive measures. This could also help
bring down the mortality rates due to STDs, although Chlamydia does not pose high risks of
mortality, if treated properly. Kposowa (2013) investigated the issue of risk of death and
marital status, wherein the findings indicated that the single and unmarried persons posed
higher risks of death than the married persons. In the present research as well, the married
people reported the highest percentage of correct responses, indicating high level of
knowledge. Such findings also highlight the necessity to promote sexual education among
single and unmarried individuals. To make them aware of the preventive measures.
Another factor of educational level was also investigated to determine the influence on level
of knowledge. The education level was also found to be insignificant in exerting any impact
on the level of knowledge in the given respondent population. Burazeri, Roshi, Tavanxhi,
Rrumbullaku, & Dasho (2003) conducted investigation unto knowledge and attitudes of
undergraduate students towards STDs, wherein the investigations were directed towards
multiple factors which influence the level of education amongst the students. These factors
involved, parental education and urban origin, which allowed for a better assessment of

impact of education level. These two factors exerted influence on knowledge of
undergraduate students. Therefore, the investigations regarding the impact of education level
on knowledge could be expanded to include other relevant factors to obtain a more holistic
picture.
The influence of gender on level of education was also investigated and the chi-square test
did not show any significant impact of gender difference on level of knowledge of given
respondent population. These findings were in contrast with the earlier research wherein
gender has been found to exert influence on certain factors of chlamydia knowledge (Lorimer
& Hart, 2010). The descriptive statistics showed difference in degree of awareness between
the male and female respondents, wherein the female respondents reported high degree of
responses. The lack of gender disparity in Chlamydia prevalence could be linked with lack of
gender disparity in influencing the levels of knowledge as reported previous researchers
(Beydoun, Dail, Tamim, Ugwu, & Beydoun, 2010; Datta et al., 2007). As lack of knowledge
could result in lack of preventive measures and higher instances of infectious diseases.
In conclusion, the high levels of knowledge as observed form the high percentage of correct
responses indicates towards a satisfactory state of scenario. However, the efforts to increase
awareness amongst the non-clinical population, such as students need to be continued so as to
decrease the instances of STDs such as chlamydia infections. Also, the people need to
promote to come forward for screening by setting up measures which reduce embarrassment
and stigma and can in turn increase participation (Lorimer, Reid, & Hart, 2009). The young
men also need to be informed regarding the possible risks and preventive measures, and
better ways need to be devised to promote their participation (Ford, Viadro, & Miller, 2004)
The present study could also be expanded further in terms of population size, and including
clinical population which could allow drawing better insights and gap analysis.
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