Speaker
Description
Health-seeking behaviours of young women with sexually transmitted infections: Analysis of the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey
Aaron Asibi Abuosi1, Solomon Kwesi Ackon2, Emmanuel Anongeba Anaba3
1 Department of Public Administration and Health Services Management, University of Ghana Business School, Accra, Ghana,
2 Ankaful Leprosy/ General Hospital, Ankaful, Central Region-Ghana,
3 Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
Keyword: Health-seeking behaviors, young people, STIs, Ghana
Background
Young people are at a disproportionately higher risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to biological factors, low awareness and limited access to sexual and reproductive health information and services. Untreated STIs can lead to major complications, including HIV, congenital infections, infertility, permanent disability and mortality.
Objectives
This study aimed to identify the salient factors associated with health-seeking behaviours of young women with a history of STIs in Ghana.
Methods
We analysed data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. In all, we analysed data from a weighted sample of 742 young women with a history of STIs. At the univariate level, frequencies and percentages were computed, while Chi-square analysis was computed at the bivariate level. Both crude and adjusted odds ratios were computed at the multivariable level using binary logistic regression.
Results
The findings showed that the majority (72%) of the participants sought treatment for STIs. Among the participants who sought treatment for STIs (n = 532), 26% sought treatment at a public hospital/polyclinic, 34% sought treatment at a chemical/drug store and 10% self-medicated. Seeking treatment for STIs was significantly associated with older age (20-24yrs), and higher socioeconomic and educational status.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated that majority of the young women sought treatment for STIs. Seeking treatment for STIs was influenced by socio-demographic factors. These findings have implications for sexual and reproductive health policies and interventions in Ghana.