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Background <p>This study aimed to investigate medical students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning syphilis-related stigma.</p> Methods <p>A cross-sectional survey was conducted on medical students between January and March 2025 at Jinzhou Medical University and Mudanjiang Medical University. A structured questionnaire, consisting of 10 knowledge items, 10 attitude items, and 10 practice items, was used to collect demographic information and assess KAP regarding syphilis-related stigma. The questionnaire was pre-tested in a pilot study (<i>n</i> = 53) and demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.866). A performance threshold of 80% or above the possible maximum score was established to define good knowledge, positive attitudes, and proactive practices.</p> Results <p>A total of 723 valid questionnaires were collected, with 60.03% from females. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 7.06 ± 2.72 (possible range: 0–10), 40.00 ± 6.11 (possible range: 10–50), and 35.98 ± 5.92 (possible range: 10–50), respectively. Correlation analysis showed significant positive associations among all KAP dimensions: knowledge-attitude (<i>r</i> = 0.4492), knowledge-practice (<i>r</i> = 0.3134), and attitude-practice (<i>r</i> = 0.5805), all with <i>P</i> &lt; 0.001. Structural equation modeling further indicated that knowledge had a direct effect on attitude (β = 0.30, <i>P</i> &lt; 0.001) and that attitude exerted a direct effect on practice (β = 0.97, <i>P</i> &lt; 0.001). Although the direct effect of knowledge on practice was not statistically significant, an indirect effect mediated by attitude was observed (β = 0.33, <i>P</i> &lt; 0.001).</p> Conclusion <p>Medical students demonstrated insufficient knowledge, generally positive attitudes, and suboptimal practices concerning syphilis-related stigma. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions that not only enhance knowledge but also strengthen positive attitudes, thereby promoting more proactive and stigma-reducing practices among future healthcare providers.</p> Clinical trial number <p>not applicable.</p>

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Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical students regarding syphilis-related stigma

  • 期刊论文

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月21日

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  • Xiaolan Zhang,
  • Chunmei Feng,
  • Hongyang Du,
  • Nan Wu,
  • Fei Wang

摘要

Background

This study aimed to investigate medical students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning syphilis-related stigma.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on medical students between January and March 2025 at Jinzhou Medical University and Mudanjiang Medical University. A structured questionnaire, consisting of 10 knowledge items, 10 attitude items, and 10 practice items, was used to collect demographic information and assess KAP regarding syphilis-related stigma. The questionnaire was pre-tested in a pilot study (n = 53) and demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.866). A performance threshold of 80% or above the possible maximum score was established to define good knowledge, positive attitudes, and proactive practices.

Results

A total of 723 valid questionnaires were collected, with 60.03% from females. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 7.06 ± 2.72 (possible range: 0–10), 40.00 ± 6.11 (possible range: 10–50), and 35.98 ± 5.92 (possible range: 10–50), respectively. Correlation analysis showed significant positive associations among all KAP dimensions: knowledge-attitude (r = 0.4492), knowledge-practice (r = 0.3134), and attitude-practice (r = 0.5805), all with P < 0.001. Structural equation modeling further indicated that knowledge had a direct effect on attitude (β = 0.30, P < 0.001) and that attitude exerted a direct effect on practice (β = 0.97, P < 0.001). Although the direct effect of knowledge on practice was not statistically significant, an indirect effect mediated by attitude was observed (β = 0.33, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Medical students demonstrated insufficient knowledge, generally positive attitudes, and suboptimal practices concerning syphilis-related stigma. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions that not only enhance knowledge but also strengthen positive attitudes, thereby promoting more proactive and stigma-reducing practices among future healthcare providers.

Clinical trial number

not applicable.