Prevalence and Factors Related to STI-Associated Symptoms and Health-Seeking Behavior Among the Filipino Youth

Abstract

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a public health concern, disproportionately affecting young people due to high sexual risk behaviors, stigma, and limited access to care. In the Philippines, where human immunodeficincy virus (HIV) cases are rapidly increasing, evidence on STI symptoms and related health-seeking behaviors among youth is limited. This study examines the prevalence and correlates of STI symptoms and health-seeking behaviors among Filipino youth, with analyses stratified by sex. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study of 15–24-year-old Filipinos, the 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS5). 3,120 sexually experienced individuals were included in the analysis. Results: Overall, 31.9% of the Filipino youth reported to have ever experienced STI-associated symptoms, with pain during urination and itching in the genital area as the most common. Among the 1,032 who reported STI-associated symptoms, less than one-third sought help for their symptoms. Logistic regression results of the pooled sample show that female sex, younger age, rural residence, lower educational attainment, commercial sex, STI knowledge, and awareness of aquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are linked to STI-associated symptoms. Health-seeking behaviors were associated with female sex, never received payment for sex, consistent condom use, ever heard of antiretroviral (ARV) medication, and ever tested for HIV. Conclusions: This study provides national prevalence estimates for STI-associated symptoms and health-seeking behavior among Filipino youth. The findings underscore a critical need for public health interventions to shift from reactive, symptom-based care toward proactive strategies. To improve health outcomes among Filipino youth, sexual and reproductive health programs must emphasize preventive education and risk-based screening. Enhancing access to services is essential to empower vulnerable populations to seek care based on sexual risk and knowledge rather than the onset of physical symptoms.