Establishing Socio-cultural Factors Influencing Health Seeking Behaviour Of Sti Infected Women Of Reproductive Age In Kisii Nyanza Province Kenya

Abstract

Sexually Transmitted Infections are common infections among women of reproductive age. The health seeking behavior associated with STls has been explored to some extent, but associated socio-cultural factors have been a great hindrance. This to clients seeking help to late when the symptoms are unbreakable or when threatened to die and the interventions are not then greatly helpful. This will be a descriptive study aimed at finding out the socio-cultural factors influencing health seeking behavior of women of the reproductive age, infected with STls in Kisii Central District Nyanza Province,Kenya. The study will involve a study population of 302 women aged 15 and 49 years who will be seeking health care due to sexually transmitted infections. This will be carried out in Kisii level 5 Hospital in Kisii Central District. Permission and authority to carry out the study will sought from the Ministry of Health, the district Commissioner of Kisii District where the study will be carried out and the Ministry of Education. Data will be collected using structured questionnaires by two trained research assistants under the supervision of principal investigator. Informed consent will be sought from the respondents and the information collected treated with great confidentiality as requires the sensitivity of sexuality matters. The respondents will only be identified by use of codes. Analysis of data collected will be done using statistical programme for social sciences (SPSS). Data and computer software will be presented in form of charts, charts and graphs. The study results will be helpful in recommending ways of improving medical intervention to STls infected women as early as possible for proper treatment and prevention of complications. The study will take 8 months with a budget of Ksh. 103,444.