Midwives' educational needs and knowledge about sexually transmittable infections in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

This study aimed to evaluate the educational needs and knowledge about sexually transmittable infections (STIs) demonstrated by midwives. In a cross-sectional study in 2014, 144 midwives in Rasht, Islamic Republic of Iran, were surveyed. The Persian version of the Sexually Transmitted Disease Knowledge Questionnaire (STD-KQ) and a researcher-made questionnaire to evaluate educational needs and profile were used. The participants obtained 74% of the total score of STD-KQ. Thirty-one percent of participants were categorized in high or very high need of education. Seventy percent of midwives mentioned they were trained on all STIs at university. However, only 6.3% of midwives were aware of existing STIs guidelines. Participants reported that in the last two years they were only educated about HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B at their workplace. Thus, a comprehensive educational programme to empower midwives for complete STIs control is recommended.