Epidemiology of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Sexually Active Individuals in Monze District, Zambia

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that can be passed on through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse with an infected partner. The study aimed to assess the epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among sexually active individuals (15-70) in Monze District of Zambia. Descriptive, retrospective, and cross-sectional study designs were utilized to investigate an epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections among sexually active individuals aged between 15 and 70 years. Ethical approval was sought from CHRESO University Research and Ethics Committee and Monze District Health Office. Both stratified and simple random sampling techniques were utilized to select 271 respondents to participate in the study. Primary data was collected from study participants using structured questionnaire while secondary data was collected from Monze district health information office and by analyzing registers for outpatients, laboratory and MCH departments. The collected data was analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.0 and was presented by tables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationships between socio-demographic characteristics and parameters for epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections. The study revealed that 91.5% of respondents were able to identify sexually transmitted infections in Monze District. Additionally, 69.4% of respondents reported being diagnosed with STIs, indicating a high prevalence in the district. A significant portion of respondents (27.2% to 31.2%) reported experiencing symptoms suggestive of STIs in the past year, highlighting potential undiagnosed infections and emphasizing the importance of symptom awareness. While 68.3% of respondents reported ever undergoing STI screening, regular testing remains crucial for early detection and treatment for higher risk patients. The study also showed that, while awareness of different STIs was relatively high (84.9%), there is still a need for health education to address misconceptions and encourage regular testing. The results also showed that, 56.8% of respondents had adequate level of knowledge on the safe sex practices while 72.3% of respondents believed in the effectiveness of condoms for STI prevention. The study further exposed that, many respondents (82.3%) identified stigma to be a barrier to seeking treatment for STIs. Moreover, the results showed that, many respondents (95.6% to 99.6%) affirmed that, health educational campaigns promote safe sexual practices, reduce STI occurrences, improve knowledge levels, and encourage utilization of available testing and treatment services. Sex, age, marital status, and occupation were found to have significant statistical correlation with impact of educational and awareness campaigns in the prevention of STIs (P < 0.05).