A study on the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections, the health care-seeking behavior, and the barriers for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections in the urban slums of Davangere
Journal Title: International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health - Year 2015, Vol 4, Issue 6
Abstract
Background: The control of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is an urgent health priority because STIs are a major public health problem in all countries, particularly developing countries. STIs can lead to major morbidity and mortality. Since the advent of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, there is good evidence that the control of STIs can reduce HIV transmission. In India, the prevalence of self-reported STIs in the population aged 15–49 years is found to be between 21.9 to 92%. The challenge is to develop new interventions and identify barriers to treatment. Objectives: To know the prevalence of STIs using modified syndromic approach among the slum population, the health care-seeking behaviors and their association with various factors, and the barriers for treatment of STIs. Materials and Methods: Interview method involving a predesigned, pretested, and semistructured questionnaire was used to identify married women with symptoms who were referred for clinical examination. A cross-sectional study design was chosen. Study setting was in four slums of Davangere. Study period was from September 1 to 30, 2013 and the sample size comprised 200 married women in the age group of 18–49 years. Data were described as proportions and categorically analyzed using chi-squared test. Results: About 22% were in the age group of 28–32 year. About 25.5% had STIs out of which only 58.8% took treatment. The main barriers identified were fear, no time, and not caring for symptoms. Conclusion: Slum residents need education to recognize symptoms requiring treatment, and the involvement of partners for treatment should be emphasized upon. The main interventions that could reduce the STIs include IEC campaigns, behavior change communication, and condom promotion.
Authors and Affiliations
Vandana C Khargekar, Sarvamangala Koujalgi
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP122540
- DOI 10.5455/ijmsph.2015.21012015172
- Views 53
- Downloads 0
Assessment of cardiovascular risk factors among youths in Bengaluru urban district, India
Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one among the leading causes of death world over and in India. Risk factors for CVD have their beginnings early in life, and early detection and correction could have far-reach...
Whatsapp enhances Medical education: Is it the future?
Background: Whatsapp, launched in the year 2009, has exploded to 400 million active users each month. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of Whatsapp to enhance medical education in Indian medical s...
Study the foot care practice among diabetic patients in Ahmedabad city, Gujarat
Background: Diabetes mellitus is a multifaceted disease and foot ulceration is one of its most common complications. Poor foot care practices are important risk factors for foot problems among people with diabetes. Objec...
Handwashing practices among the caregivers of under five children in rural and urban areas of Moradabad, India: a community based study
Background: Handwashing is listed as one of the single most effective public health intervention which directly and indirectly decreases the mortality among young children by eliminating over 90% of infections. But, unfo...
Assessment of awareness about cardiovascular disease risk factors and association between overweight and family history of cardiovascular disease among first-year medical students of a medical college in Karnataka
Assessment of awareness about cardiovascular disease risk factors and association between overweight and family history of cardiovascular disease among fi rst-year medical students of a medical college in Karnataka...