Improving Knowledge and Practices on Genital Chlamydia among Youths aged 15–24 Years Old in Bamako: Evaluation of a 5-Day Hybrid Workshop

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Genital chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people aged 15–24 years old and may lead to serious complications in women, men, and newborns. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a five-day interactive hybrid educational workshop on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to genital chlamydia in Bamako, Mali. Materiel and Methods A descriptive pre-test/post-test study was conducted in 2025 among 174 young participants aged 15–24 years old. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire assessing KAP related to genital chlamydia and STIs. Proportions before and after the intervention were compared using the chi-square (χ²) test or Fisher’s exact test, with a significance level set at α = 0.05. Results Overall knowledge of STIs showed a slight improvement after the intervention, with the “poor knowledge” category disappearing at post-test. The proportion of participants able to identify at least three modes of transmission of genital chlamydia increased from 41.7% to 50.0%. Improvements were also observed in the identification of symptoms and complications, with a statistically significant increase in knowledge of male complications (p = 0.045 for at least one complication; p = 0.003 for at least two complications). Information sharing about genital chlamydia with partners remained limited (8.3% vs. 7.4%), whereas discussion of STI status between partners increased (62.5% to 72.2%). Preventive practices improved modestly, including consistent condom use (62.5% to 66.7%), prompt health-care seeking (95.0% to 96.3%), and acceptability of on-demand STI screening (70.8% to 83.3%). Conclusion The hybrid educational workshop contributed to improved knowledge and several positive attitudes toward genital chlamydia, particularly regarding communication about STI status and acceptability of screening. However, persistent stigma and limited information sharing with sexual partners underscore the need for sustained and repeated educational interventions targeting young people for chlamydia prevention and control.