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This study used data from the Bangladesh Adolescents Survey 2005 to identify socioeconomic and urban-rural determinants of knowledge regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS transmission. A cluster sampling of 11 986 adolescents was conducted from April to August 2005. Data were analyzed using SPSS applying principle component analysis, multivariate logistic regression analysis, and prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Overall knowledge of transmission of STIs was poor (4.5%), showing urban adolescents having twice the knowledge of rural adolescents (PR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.6-2.2). HIV/AIDS knowledge level was high (68%), with a 40% higher knowledge among urban adolescents (PR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.3-1.4). Probability of knowledge of STIs and HIV/AIDS transmission was lowest in 12- to 14-year-old uneducated female household workers of the poorest socioeconomic status in rural settings (0.0002 and 0.064, respectively). The urban-rural factor was more important than the socioeconomic factor. Health promotion and education programs can play an important role in improving the sexual reproductive health knowledge situation.

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Aim: To identify socioeconomic and urban-rural variations in self-reported lifetime prevalence of symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STI). Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the Bangladesh Adolescents Survey 2005 conducted on 11,986 adolescents, using a cluster sampling methods. Data were analysed using SPSS applying principle components analysis, multivariate logistic regression analysis, and prevalence ratio (PR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: Self-reported lifetime prevalence of STI symptoms was 11.6%. Urban adolescents had 11% lower prevalence than their rural counterparts (PR(U/R) = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.79-1.00). Probability of self-reported lifetime symptoms of STI was highest among 20-24 years old income-generating male educated workers of mid-socioeconomic status living in rural areas (0.31). Conclusions:The residence (urban-rural) factor is more influential than the socioeconomic factor. Simpler and cheaper mode of screening and case finding tools for STIs would greatly help. Health promotion and education programs can decrease the adolescents' vulnerability to sexually transmitted diseases.

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