AWARENESS OF STD AND HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOUR: A COMMUNITY BASED STUDY IN THE URBAN SLUMS OF JORHAT DISTRICT, ASSAM

2021 ◽  
pp. 72-74
Author(s):  
Anoop Dev ◽  
Naba Jyoti Saikia ◽  
Debarshi Paul

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact, caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. STDs are becoming a major public health problem in India. The objective of this paper is to determine the prevalence of awareness of STD among the youth age group of 15-24 years old residing in the urban slum of Jorhat town. The study shows that in the age group 15-19 years, 62% individuals were not aware about STDs while about 52% were not aware in the age group 20-24 years. The present study reveals that only about 61% individuals opined that STDs are transmissible and only 42% say that STD is preventable. It is concluded from the study that majority of the individuals in the study group are unaware about STD's.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Coronel-Martínez ◽  
Luis Augusto Moya-Barquín

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) disproportionately affect young people, with more than half of the infections occurring in 15- to 25-year-olds, although as an age group they constitute only 25% of the sexually active population. Adolescents have been considered as a key and vulnerable population; adolescents are considered as marginalized populations (i.e., poor access to adequate health services, social and parental acceptance, stigmatization, among others. Every year, 87 million new cases of gonorrhea are reported worldwide in the population from 15 to 49 years old. In 2016, the estimated global prevalence of CT in 15-to 49-year-old women was 3.8% and in men 2.7%, with regional values ranging from 1.5 to 7.0% in women and 1.2 to 4.0% in men. The worldwide prevalence of HSV-2 among 15–49-year old is 11.3% and for HSV-1 among 0–49-year-old is 67%. These numbers alert us about the increase in the frequency of these diseases among young populations; more open sexual behavior could be an important factor for this increase; the treatment of these diseases is challenging due to the difficulties with detection and treatment; in the case of gonorrhea, it could become a major public health problem due to the emerging antimicrobial resistance; in the case of Chlamydia, despite the effective treatment, reinfection is still a possibility and for genital herpes, the disease can be controlled but not cured. This chapter will describe the most important aspects of these three diseases for supporting the clinicians and researchers about the management of sexually transmitted diseases in the adolescent population.


Author(s):  
Sai Ram A. ◽  
Rama Krishna M. N. ◽  
Sunil Pal Singh C.

Background: Tuberculosis a major public health problem in India with highest burden of cases. India accounts for about 24% of global prevalence, 23% of the global incidence cases and 21% of global TB deaths. Irregular and inappropriate treatment of persons with active TB, unawareness about TB symptoms and treatment course, illiteracy, may be the major hurdles for TB eradication.Methods: A cross sectional, community based study was conducted in urban slum dwellers (n=153). Data compilation and analysis: All the data collected was entered and analyzed with MS excel software 2007 and Epi info 3.5.3. All tests were considered significant at p<0.05 level.Results: 18.3% told that cough+expectoration+evening rise of temperature+weight loss are the signs and symptoms of TB. 55.5% know that it spreads through cough and sneezing mixed with air. 23.5% knows blood examination, sputum examination, x-ray is the mode of diagnosis of TB.Conclusions: Literacy plays major role in creating awareness on TB.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ratandeep Lamba ◽  
Abhishek Agarwal ◽  
Ravi Rana ◽  
Vertika Agarwal

Background: Anaemia is a major public health problem in elderly persons which is often overlooked. With rising urbanization and world is facing demographic transition, there is a need to increase focus on elderly residing in urban slums. Aim: The present study aims to find the prevalence of anaemia and its associated factors among the elderly population in an urban slum of Meerut. Methodology: The present study conducted in an urban slum of Meerut from November 2017 to January 2018. The sample size was calculated as 396, considering the prevalence of anaemia as 45.5% in this age group. Haemoglobin levels were estimated using paper chromatography methodby hemoc-heck rapid diagnostic kit. Data were compiled and analysed using epi info software version 3.7.2. Results: 49.5% of the elderly residing in urban slums were found to be anaemic. The anaemia in the elderly was found to be significantly associated with employment, socioeconomic status and chronic diseases like COPD, hypertension and Tuberculosis


1997 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 456-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y A Adu-Sarkodie

One of the health education messages given in sexually transmitted disease (STD) control is patients' adopting appropriate health seeking behaviour. This includes reporting to health facilities for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. In parts of the world where STD aetiologic agents have assumed resistance to commonly used antimicrobials, this is important. The antimicrobial self medication practices of 764 patients attending an STD clinic in a developing country were studied. Seventy-four and a half per cent admitted to self medication before reporting to the clinic. The antibiotics taken in inappropriate dosages were purchased over the counter, given by friends or were 'left-overs' from previous medications. In the fight to control STD spread as a means of reducing the incidence of HIV/AIDS, indiscriminate use of antimicrobials needs to be guarded against.


2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Nyalela ◽  
T. Dlungwane ◽  
M. Taylor ◽  
N. Nkwanyana

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major public health problem globally, with men being the main transmitters of infections. A high prevalence of curable STIs is reported in adults aged between 15 and 49 years, and the delay in seeking treatment has adverse consequences for both the individual and population.Objective: A study was undertaken to assess the factors associated with the health seeking and sexual behaviour of men presenting with STIs at the two primary health care sites in eThekwini metropolitan area.Method: A cross-sectional study design with systematic random sampling was used. Data were collected using an intervieweradministered questionnaire and analysed using STATA.Results: Some 23% of the 134 participants delayed coming to the clinic after noticing the signs and symptoms of an STI. Participants were 5.89 (95% CI 1.49–23.32) times more likely to delay seeking treatment if they sought medical help only when perceiving an illness to be severe, and three times more likely to delay (borderline result) if they only used a condom when sober (OR 3.16; 95% CI 0.99–10.06). Staff stigma and the bad attitude of nurses were factors that delayed men visiting the clinic for STI treatment and this was reported by 76 (56.7%) of the participants.Conclusion: Delayed health seeking behaviour amongst men with STIs remains a major challenge. Appropriate interventions are required to deal with factors associated with delayed health seeking behaviour amongst men with STIs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Syilvia Jiero ◽  
Ayodhia Pitaloka Pasaribu

Abstract Background Malaria remains a major public health problem in Indonesian Papua, with children under five years of age being the most affected group. Haematological changes, such as cytopenia that occur during malaria infection have been suggested as potential predictors and can aid in the diagnosis of malaria. This study aimed to assess the haematological alterations associated with malaria infection in children presenting with signs and symptoms of malaria. Methods A retrospective study was performed by collecting data from the medical records of malaria patients at Sorong Regional General Hospital, Sorong, West Papua, Indonesia, both from outpatient and inpatient clinics, from January 2014 until December 2017. The laboratory profile of children suffering from malaria was evaluated. Results One hundred and eighty-two children aged 1 month to 18 years old were enrolled. The subjects were mostly male (112, 61.5%) with a mean age of 6.45 years (SD = 4.3 years). Children below 5 years of age suffered the most from malaria in this study (77, 42.3%). One hundred two subjects (56%) were infected with Plasmodium falciparum. Half of the enrolled subjects (50%) had haemoglobin level (Hb) between 5.1 and 10 gr/dL. A total of 41 children (53.2%) less than 5 years old suffered from P. falciparum infection. In the age group of 5–10 years, there were 34 children (57.6%) who suffered from P. falciparum, and in the age group > 10 years, 27 children (58.7%) suffered from P. falciparum infection. Only 4 subjects (5.2%) in the less than 5 years old age group had mixed malaria infection. Among eight predictors of the haematological profile, there were five predictors that were significantly associated with the diagnostic criteria, namely haemoglobin, haematocrit, leukocytes, platelets and monocytes (p < 0.05). Generally, clinical symptoms are not significantly associated with a malaria diagnosis, and only one variable showed a significant relationship, pale, with a P value of 0.001. Conclusions Children with malaria had changes in some haematological markers, with anaemia, low platelet count, white blood count, and lymphocyte count being the most important predictors of malaria infection in the study area. These markers could be used to raise suspicion of malaria in children living in high endemic areas, such as West Papua.


2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 406-416
Author(s):  
Bindu Bhatt ◽  
Janak P. Joshi

Malaria affects health and general well-being of many people in the developing world. In India also, malaria is a major public health problem. It continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in many tropical regions of the world, despite global efforts to eradicate the disease. To achieve the targets of reducing malaria prevalence and preventing malaria epidemic, it is essential to have active community participation. Therefore, clear understanding of the Knowledge, Awareness and Perception (KAPs) of a particular community can help in framing the policy of prevention and promotion of any malaria control measure. In this context, the decision makers in the health sector are recognizing the importance of community’s KAPs on malaria and, thus, is gaining stimulus as one of the methods for malaria control. KAPs, however, play an important role in the improvement of health and health-seeking behaviour of a disease-burdened group. This study, therefore, investigates a local community’s KAPs on malaria in tribal areas of Vadodara District. The KAP investigates the community’s understanding of malaria transmission, their recognition of signs and symptoms, their treatment-seeking behaviours and community preventive measures and practices.


2013 ◽  
Vol 88 (4) ◽  
pp. 523-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz Jorge Fagundes ◽  
Elso Elias Vieira Junior ◽  
Ana Carolina Marteline Cavalcante Moysés ◽  
Fernão Dias de Lima ◽  
Fátima Regina Borges de Morais ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Sexually Transmitted Diseases are still considered a serious public health problem in Brazil and worldwide.OBJECTIVE: To examine Sexually Transmitted Diseases prevalence and the sickness impact profile of STDs in a reference health center specializing in the treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases.METHOD: We collected epidemiological, demographic, clinical and laboratory data from the medical records and interviews of 4,128 patients who had attended the center from January 1999 to December 2009.RESULTS: Male patients outnumbered (76%) females (24%), Caucasians outnumbered (74.3%) those of mixed race (14.8%), blacks (10.8%) and Asians (0.1%). STD occurrence was higher in the 20-29 age group (46.2%) This population included 34.7% high school graduates, 8.7% college graduates and 0.8% illiterates. As for affective-sexual orientation, 86.5% were heterosexual, 7.8% homosexual and 5.5% bisexual. Regarding patients' sexual practices over the previous 30 days, 67.7% reported sexual intercourse with one person, 8.6% had had sex with two persons and 3.9%, with three or more people. The highest incidence of STD was condyloma acuminata, affecting 29.4% of all the patients, genital candidiasis 14.2%, and genital herpes 10.6%. Of the 44.3% who submitted to serologic testing for HIV detection 5% were positive, with a ratio of 6.8 males to 1 female.CONCLUSIONS:STD prevalence remains high in Brazil and it is necessary to invest in early detection, prevention and treatment.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-9
Author(s):  
Md Mahamudur Rahman ◽  
Md Akram Hossain ◽  
Shyamal Kumar Paul ◽  
Salma Ahmed ◽  
Md Murshed Alam ◽  
...  

Soil transmitted helminthes (STHs) infections are common throughout the tropics and subtropics and represents a major public health problem in developing countries. The rate of STHs infection found in the present study was very high in comparison to other countries of this Subcontinent, though they are taking antihelmintics every 6 months interval under Government National Health Program. The present study was carried out to see the Prevalence of STHs infection among the school children in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. A total of 500 stool samples from healthy individuals were collected during April, 2012 to February, 2013 from 20 schools comprising 10 rural and 10 urbans under Sadar upazila, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The samples were examined in the department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College using saline and iodine preparation microscopy and McMaster technique for the detection of ova of STHs.  The STHs prevalence irrespective of the age and sex of the individuals were 37.0% (185) out of 500 specimens where 68.0% (340/500) individuals were male represents the prevalence 38.0% (129/340) and 32.0% (160/500) individuals were female represents the prevalence 35.0% (56/160). Majority of the cases belonged to the age group >5-10 years 50.2% (251/500) of the total, constituted the prevalence 20.2% (101/500) of the total population and 40.2% (101/251) of the individual age group. The distribution of different STHs with their prevalence in the study population where Ascaris lumbricoides (AL) was 63.8% (118), Trichuris trichiura (TT) 37.3% (69), Enterobius vermicularis (EV) 8.1% (15), Ancylostoma duodenale (AD) 7.5% (14), and mixed infection was 15.1% (28). The upper socio-economic class constituted 5.0% (25/500) of the total study population with the prevalence of 20.0% (5/25). The middle socio-economic class constituted 50.0% (250/500) of the total study population with the prevalence of 37.2% (93/250) and the lower socio-economic class constituted 45.0% (225/500) of the total study population with the prevalence of 38.6% (87/225). The urban population constituted 34.0% (170/500) of the total population representing the prevalence 31.2 % (53/170) and rural population constituted 66.0% (330/500) of the total population representing the prevalence 40.0% (132/330).  In this study, STHs detection by McMaster method was satisfactory. Thereby, McMaster method could be adapted for rapid detection and quantification of STHs. Moreover, one more frequent administration of antihelmintics with close monitoring of drug administration may reduce the prevalence of STHs infection in Bangladesh. CBMJ 2018 January: Vol. 07 No. 01 P: 04-09


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-49
Author(s):  
Maryam Kusumawaty ◽  
Khairuddin Djawad ◽  
Muh Nasrum Massi ◽  
Andi Muhammad Adam ◽  
Siswanto Wahab ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction. Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum spirochete and is mainly transmitted by sexual contact. Syphilis has the potential to cause serious complications and is closely related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection thus making syphilis still a major public health problem. In Indonesia, surveys of high-risk populations in 2007 and 2011 reported an increase in the prevalence of syphilis, especially in men who have sexual relationships with other men (MSM). Moreover, studies have described risk factors for HIV transmission including MSM, heterosexual contacts, Intravenous (IV) drug use, and infected partners. Objectives. To assess the epidemiological aspects and risk factors for syphilis in Makassar, as well as the correlation with a coinfection of other sexually transmitted infections. Material and Methods. This study is a multi-centre cross-sectional descriptive study with consecutive sampling. We evaluated cases for eligibility by confirming the diagnosis based on the serological result using rapid plasma reagin assay (RPR), Treponema pallidum haemagglutination (TPHA), and HIV screening kit. The cases were analyzed based on epidemiological features, risk factors and clinical findings, co-infection with other sexually transmitted infection (ST), and stadium of the disease. Results. A total of 79 serologically confirmed syphilis cases were collected between January 2017 and December 2018 in Makassar, the capital city of South Sulawesi province in Indonesia. Of the 63 male subjects (79.7%), 38 (48.1%) were homosexual/MSM, and in 41 cases of HIV-infected subjects, 25 (60.9%) of them were also MSM. Conclusion. Our study showed there was a significant correlation between syphilis and an increased risk of HIV transmission in MSM groups. The higher number of cases of syphilis and HIV co-infection among MSM can increase transmission of both infections and should be considered a major risk factor for syphilis in Makassar.


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