Unravelling Delay in Care for Sexually Transmitted Infections-Related Symptoms in a Developing Country Setting (Jamaica).
Community Health Equity Res Policy
; 44(3): 295-302, 2024 Apr.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37395626
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and STI treatment remain a challenge in public health. There is little understanding of related factors influencing health seeking behaviour and delay of care among clinic attendees in Jamaica.AIM:
To determine socio-demographic profile of clinic attendees with STI and identify factors associated with delay in seeking care for STI-related symptoms.METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was done. 201 adult patients presenting with STI symptoms from four health centres in Kingston and St Andrew were selected. A 24-item interviewer-assisted questionnaire was used to obtain data on socio-demographic characteristics, patients' symptoms and duration, previous STIs, knowledge of complications and seriousness of STIs, and factors influencing decision to seek medical care.RESULTS:
Almost 75% delayed seeking care for STIs. Recurrent STIs was identified in 41% of patients. 'Could not find time' was the most commonly reported reason for delay in seeking care (36%). Females were 3.4 times more likely to delay seeking care for STI symptoms than males (OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.73-6.73). Those with primary level education and below were 5 times more likely to delay seeking care for STI symptoms than those with at least secondary level education (OR 5.05, 95% CI 1.09-23.46). Participants viewed staff as confidential (68%) and 65% thought health-care workers spent adequate time during consultations.CONCLUSION:
Lower education level and the female gender are associated with delay in seeking care for STI-related symptoms. These factors should be considered when developing interventions to reduce delay in care for STI-related symptoms.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
/
Developing Countries
Type of study:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
Caribe ingles
/
Jamaica
Language:
En
Journal:
Community Health Equity Res Policy
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Jamaica