Socio-economic 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/kxv0t689Keywords:
Socio-economic factors, Prevalence of STIs, Clinical conditions, Mukono general hospitalAbstract
Background:
Globally, the burden of STIs remains a great public concern. The study aimed to assess the socio-economic 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, with a sample size of 75 respondents using a simple random sampling technique.
Results:
40 (53%) were from rural while the remaining 35 (47%) were from urban areas. 39(52%) had their lowest education level of primary, while 7(9%) of the respondents were highly educated. 39(52%) were of low household level while the least 12(16%) were of high household level. 48(64%) believed that early marriages are the cause of STIs, while at least 2(2%) believed it was circumcision ceremonies. 45(60%) exchanged sex for money while the minority 30(40%) did not exchange sex for money and 25(56%) out of 45 still doing it while 20(44%) nolonger exchanging sex for money.
Conclusion:
The study revealed that cultural practices such as early marriage and poverty were the major socio-economic factors contributing to the prevalence of STIs.
Recommendation:
The government should also revise the acceptable cultural practices in society by engaging the cultural leaders to see which rituals should be abolished in society that are putting people’s lives at risk, like early marriage. The District Health Officer should conduct close monitoring and supervision of health facility staff to assess the quality of services.
References
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