Awareness and practices regarding sexually transmitted infections among currently married males and females in a rural district of Sindh

ABSTRACT

To determine the levels of awareness and practices regarding sexually transmitted infections [STIs] in a Rural District of Sindh - Pakistan. It was a cross - sectional survey conducted in Taluka Khipro, District Sanghar-Sindh during June 2004 in fifteen villages. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire by trained local male and female workers who interviewed door to door. A total of 116 currently married males and females were interviewed. Majority of males 34[29%] were in 25-29 years age group, while among females 32 [28%] fell in 20-24 years age group. Majority of males i.e. 79 [68%] and females 108[93%] was not educated. Only 36[31%] males or females knew symptoms of STIs like vaginal discharge, discharge from urethra and back pain. Twenty-five [22%] males and 12[10%] females reported that "only wife can have sexual disease". Two [2%] females shared that both [male and female] can have Sexually Transmitted Infections [STIs], AIDS and Hepatitis C. Male respondents [72%] knew different symptoms of STIs. Majority of males [78%] and females [51%] were aware about Hepatitis B and C infections. Majority of respondents had never heard about AIDS. Only 4% males were of the view that it spreads by inappropriate sexual relation. Sixty married females [52%] had knowledge about any contraceptive method. No subject [male or female] reported having ever used any contraceptive method. This study depicts poor picture of a rural population in awareness and practices regarding STIs in particular and reproductive health in general in the target area. This was a limited study and to further explore reproductive health issues in rural areas, studies with larger sample size and stronger statistical evidence are required