A study to determine knowledge,attitudes and practices of women towards sexually transmitted infections in Kaoma,

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices of women towards sexually transmitted infections in Kaoma. Fifty (50) respondents of women in the reproductive age group were sampled. Literature that has been reviewed showed that sexually transmitted infections are a public health problem which require urgent attention particularly the attitude of the general public and their choice of treatment. The purpose of this study, a descriptive cross section survey was chosen. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the sample size. A structured interview schedule was used as a data-collecting tool. The pilot study was conducted to test the suitability of the methodology. The data was analysed manually using a calculator and entered on a data master sheet. The findings were presented in the form of pie charts, bar charts and simple frequency tables. The study revealed that the majority of respondents had: an average knowledge (78%), positive attitudes (82%) and poor practice (96%) towards STIs. The study showed that the respondents were aware of STIs and its mode of transmission. Most of the respondents stated that they would go to a health care facility when infected with a sexually transmitted infection and would encourage their sexual partners to do the same. However, the majority do not use condoms and said that they would not initiate condom use during sexual activity for prevention of STIs. The few of the respondents who said were using condoms revealed that they did not use them always and they use them mainly for family planning.