Background:Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are the infections which are mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse. Young individuals in the age group of 16 to 24 years are considered to be at more risk for STIs compared to older adults. Young individuals are more likely to practice unprotected sex and have multiple sexual partners. If the STIs are not treated adequately, it can lead to various complications.Most of the people may be aware about HIV/AIDs because of the awareness created by media and the government programs, however knowledge about STIs other than HIV/AIDS is low in the developing countries.Materials and Methods:This study was a descriptive cross sectional study to assess the knowledge, awareness and attitude of college students about STIs other than HIV. A total of 350 engineering students from various semesters were included in the study. They were asked to fill up an anonymous questionnaire.Results:Two hundred and fifty six (73%) males and 94 (27%) females participated in the study. 313 (90%) students had heard about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and 223 (64%) students had heard about STIs other than HIV. 99% of students knew about HIV where as less than 50% of students knew about other STIs. Teachers, internet and media were the source of information for most of the participants. Almost 75% of the students knew about the modes of transmission of STIs. Less than 50% of the participants knew about the symptoms of STIs and complications. Also attitude of the students towards sexual health and prevention of STIs was variable.Conclusion:The findings of our study shows that it is important to orient the students about sexual health and safe sexual practices as it will go a long way in prevention and control of STIs. Also the morbidities and complications associated with STIs can be prevented.

Background:Topical steroids are one of the most commonly abused drugs. There are only a few studies available which have highlighted the severity of this problem in India. However, these studies have concentrated mainly on the topical steroid abuse and its side effects over the face.Aims:The aim of this study was to know the awareness among the people about various commonly available topical steroids and their combinations irrespective of usage and to know the extent of misuse of these drugs. Along with this, we also tried to find the source of recommendation of these medicines which will help to sensitize people about this menace.Materials and Methods:This was a prospective, questionnaire-based study done at a tertiary care hospital. A total of 1000 adult patients attending the dermatology outpatient department were administered a questionnaire about awareness and usage of topical steroid and its combinations.Results:A total of 1000 adult patients were included in the study, out of which 809 (80.9%) patients had heard about at least one of the topical steroids or its combinations mentioned in the questionnaire. Six hundred and twelve (61.2%) patients had used these creams. Acne and pigmentation were the most common indications for which topical steroid was used. These medicines were recommended by general practitioners in 302 (49.5%) patients and pharmacists in 71 (11.6%) patients. Totally, 318 (51.9%) patients complained of some form of side effect after using these creams. Aggravation of the symptoms and increased pigmentation were the most common adverse effects.Conclusion:Misuse of topical steroids not just over the face but also as a cream for any skin problem is quite common. Most of the times, it is recommended by general practitioners or pharmacists. It is very important to sensitize these people about the possible complications of these drugs and the extent of problem the society is facing because of irrational and unregulated use of these drugs.

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