Care seeking for STi symptoms in Pakistan
Khan, A.A.; Naghma-e-Rehan; Qayyum, K.; Khan, A.
JPMA. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association 59(9): 628-630
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-9982 PMID: 19750861 Document Number: 207654
To estimate the frequency of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among sex workers and drug users in Pakistan. Interviews were conducted on 3640 sex workers, injection drug users and truckers about STI symptoms within the past year and currently and the care they sought for them. Nearly half (46%) reported STI symptoms in the past 12 months and 55% went for treatment. Most of the care sought was from the private sector and more by IDUs and female sex workers. Increasing age or having a genital ulcer predicted care seeking. The results suggest the need to understand the factors determining care seeking among members of high risk groups; and emphasizing the role of the private health care providers in treatment and control of STIs.