Health care seeking behaviour for sexually transmitted infections among adolescents in Rakai District; Uganda

ABSTRACT

Abstract Objective: To compare the health care seeking behaviour for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among in and out of school adolescents (15-19 years) with a view of improving the health status of adolescents by promoting appropriate health seeking behaviour. Methods: A cross sectional comparative study employing both qualitative (Focus Group Discussions [FGDs]; key Informants [KIs] and quantitative (structured interviews) methods of data collection was carried out. The study was conducted in secondary schools and the surrounding communities in Rakai District; Uganda. A sample of 151 (senior 2 and 4) in school and 128 out of school adolescents were selected using systematic sampling methods. Interviews with 31 KIs 9 head teachers; elders; religious and youth leaders; health unit in-charges) were done. Eight purposively selected FGDs stratified by sex were held with both in and out of school adolescents. Epi-info computer software was used for analysis of quantitative data. Content and master sheet analysis techniques were utilised for FGDs and KIs. Results: Quantitative data indicates that being in school was associated with correct knowledge of causes of STIs (HIV OR