Behavioural factors contributing to the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among women attending Mukono General Hospital in Mukono district. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71020/jwhr.v3i5.86Keywords:
Behavioural factors, Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections, symptomatic and asymptomatic STIsAbstract
Background:
A steady increase in sexually transmitted infections has been recognized, where Syphilis, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Neisseria gonorrhea cases were reported. The study aimed at assessing the behavioural factors contributing to the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among women attending Mukono General Hospital in Mukono district.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study design to collect quantitative data. All women with a diagnosis of STI and those being treated for STI who attended Mukono general hospital during the study period were interviewed and recruited to participate in the study. A sample size of 75 respondents was used.
Results:
29 (39%) were aged between 18-24 years, while the least 7 (9%) were aged above 35 years. Most of the respondents, 35(47%), were married, while the least, 10(13%), were divorced. 38(50%) reported having more than one sexual partner while 18(24%) never had sexual partners. 55 (73%) had ever used substances before having sex, while the minority, 20 (27%), had never used. Out of 55 respondents who used substances before or during sex, most of the respondents, 33(60%), used alcohol, while the least, 22 (40%), used other drugs. 65(93%) had ever engaged in unprotected sex while the minority 10(7%) never engaged in unprotected sex.
Conclusion:
Therefore, substance use and unprotected sex were the major factors contributing to the prevalence of STIs.
Recommendation:
The health facility should put in place enough protective equipment, such as condoms, on the premises so that youths can use them adequately.
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