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

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.