Health-seeking and sexual behaviors among primary healthcare patients in Nairobi, Kenya.
BACKGROUND
Health-seeking and sexual behaviors are important elements in the control of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).


OBJECTIVE
To examine patterns of health-seeking behavior and related sexual behavior relevant to improved prevention and care among patients attending primary healthcare (PHC) clinics.


METHODS
A questionnaire covering social, demographic, and healthcare-seeking and sexual behavior information was administered to 555 patients attending three primary healthcare clinics in low socioeconomic areas of Nairobi, Kenya.


RESULTS
Women's knowledge about health in general and STIs in particular was poor. A major gender difference in delay of health seeking for STIs was observed (5 days for men versus 14 days for women). Significantly more men than women reported a history of STIs (68% versus 47%; P = 0.04). Men reported more extramarital affairs (17% versus 8%; P < 0.001). A high prevalence of gonorrhea (3%) and chlamydia (6%) was found in this population, with no difference between the genders. The urine dipstick was ineffective for the detection of these STIs.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a need for better understanding of behavioral factors, as well as gender and social aspects of health care. Health education and health promotion in these areas should be strengthened. Improved screening tests are needed for the detection of STI.
Fonck
Karoline
K
Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
Mwai
Charles
C
Ndinya-Achola
Jackoniah
J
Bwayo
Job
J
Temmerman
Marleen
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires