WITH sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) becoming a growing concern in schools and higher education institutions (HEIs), academics say more must be done to correct misconceptions, ensure students receive accurate information, and emphasise the importance of protection against these diseases and related cancers.
They also stress the need for a multipronged approach to effectively tackle the challenges surrounding STDs, as several contributing factors have led to the rise in cases among tertiary students in Malaysia.
Taylor’s University Digital Health and Medical Advancement Impact Lab director and School of Biosciences lecturer Prof Dr Chong Pei Pei said among the risk factors are the influence of risky sexual behaviour facilitated by social media, as well as the fear and social stigma associated with getting tested or seeking treatment.
Prof ChongTertiary students, said Universiti Malaya (UM) Faculty of Medicine senior lecturer Dr Rumana Akhter Saifi from the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, are part of an age group with a higher risk of STDs due to lifestyle factors and experimentation in building and expanding social relationships.
“Searching for a romantic partner is a normal part of psychosexual development in young adults,” she said, noting that a mix of biological, behavioural and sociocultural factors can increase their vulnerability to STDs.
In July, the Dewan Rakyat was told that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases were rising among students aged 18 to 25 in public and private HEIs across the country since 2021.
The Higher Education Ministry reported 214 HIV cases involving tertiary students in 2020, followed by a slight reduction to 186 cases in 2021. However, the number rose to 221 cases in 2022 and 244 cases last year.
Meanwhile, a total of 913 teenagers, some as young as 13, tested positive for STDs between 2018 and 2022.
These cases involved syphilis, gonorrhoea, chancroid and HIV, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek told Parliament last year.
There were 255 cases of STDs among 13- to 17-year-olds in 2018, while in 2019, a total of 225 STD cases were recorded. A total of 191 cases were recorded in 2020, 96 cases in 2021 and 146 in 2022.
Getting the message across
Noting that sexual health education in Malaysia has only gained traction in recent years, Prof Chong stressed the need for public health initiatives to focus on education and outreach programmes that challenge prevalent stigmas and promote a more open dialogue about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like human papillomavirus (HPV), HepB, HepC and HIV, and their connection to higher risks for developing cancers.
“Despite the availability of vaccines that can prevent the types of HPV most commonly associated with cervical cancer, cultural stigmas surrounding the open discussion of sexual health can lead to lower vaccination rates.
“Enhancing the public’s understanding and changing cultural attitudes are essential if we are to reduce STIs and the associated cancers among youth,” she said.Citing the 2024 Malaysia Global Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Monitoring report, Prof Chong said only 11% of Malaysians aged 15 to 24 had a correct understanding of both preventive methods for sexual HIV transmission and the ability to refute major misconceptions about how HIV spreads (see infographic).She said young adults have a higher risk of contracting STDs than other age groups, which necessitates a differentiated approach to improve awareness and access to preventive resources.
According to the 2024 Malaysia Global AIDS Monitoring report, young adults aged 20 to 29 accounted for 44% of reported HIV cases – the highest percentage – compared to other age groups (see infographic).
This, said Dr Rumana, is why there is a strong need for tailored public health messaging.
She added that an innovative strategy to reach this particular group has the potential to overcome many of the multilevel barriers associated with STD care.
“Although Malaysia has made significant strides in public health, addressing sexual health and STDs, many universities still struggle with cultural and social challenges that can limit awareness.
“Tailored messaging offers a unique opportunity to address these challenges, for example, by anonymously assessing risks, referring young adults to service providers who can support them, and guiding prevention delivery and health decision-making in a confidential, less stigmatising, and convenient manner,” said Dr Rumana, who is also the former head of the Centre of Excellence for Research in Infectious Diseases and AIDS at UM.
She noted that leveraging technology for STD prevention and treatment in Malaysia is ideal, given that young adults have access to technology.
“Public messaging tailored to address Malaysia’s unique cultural and social dynamics could have a lasting positive impact on students’ sexual health, well-being, and overall public health outcomes.
Dr Rumana
“Influencers, healthcare professionals and public health campaigns can help shift views by promoting sexual health as vital to overall well-being,” she said, adding that to effectively reduce stigma and address the issue of STDs among youth, it’s essential to respect individual, cultural and societal norms, and to involve community leaders and parents in discussions.
Agreeing, Prof Chong emphasised that targeted, community-specific education efforts, such as the use of online platforms, are an effective way to spread awareness about the repercussions of STDs to younger audiences, as they spend most of their time online.
Dr Rumana said that although sexual health information is shared through schools and community programmes, stigma and cultural taboos often keep students uninformed or reluctant to use these services.
“There is no single solution that can overcome all barriers.
“A combined approach may better address the challenges young adults often face in relation to their sexual health.
“Supportive environments, through the creation of safe spaces – whether online, in schools or in community centres – can encourage more open conversations without fear of judgement.
“Peer-led groups or youth-friendly clinics can also provide a sense of comfort.
“The key information our students are missing about STD prevention is that we, the mentors, are always there to help.
“We are ready to work with our students hand in hand,” she said. ‘
Be honest’
I am fortunate that throughout my years in primary and secondary school, my teachers have been open to educating us about sex in a healthy and responsible way, without sugar-coating the subject. This is extremely important because, as kids, our natural curiosity can lead us to misinformation or unhealthy sources. Allowing youth to learn the truth from a young age can prevent them from believing harmful myths or approaching the topic with fear and confusion. It is the responsibility of our guardians and teachers to educate us about sex in a non-judgemental way, so that we don’t feel embarrassed or scared. It’s essential that sexual health education be age-appropriate. Younger kids should focus on basics like body anatomy and personal boundaries, while teens can learn about emotional and physical relationships and STIs. This ensures they receive relevant information as they mature. – Tisha Loh Zhi Yi, 14
Sexual health education is often taken for granted and treated as a joke among youth. This is especially true due to the influence of social media, which tends to undermine the seriousness of the topic, turning it into a source of humour for both teens and adults. This creates misconceptions and trivialises the issue. Schools and family members must stress that sexual health is not to be taken lightly by explaining issues of consent and responsibility clearly. Knowing oneself and respecting others ensures an environment where the young can learn with an open mind. – Khoo Kay Yan, 16
Sexual health education is crucial for students of any age. Having a fundamental understanding of their bodies empowers students to understand their rights, protect themselves from STDs and unintended pregnancies, and build healthy relationships. Sex education must be taught in tandem with the child’s growth and maturity. The school curriculum must be carefully planned to accommodate the child’s development. This approach ensures that students receive relevant, meaningful and medically accurate information that is also honest.– Chong Zhan Xuan, 17
