Gender differences in health care-seeking behavior for sexually transmitted diseases: a population-based study in Nairobi, Kenya.
BACKGROUND
Health care-seeking behavior for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is important in STD/HIV control.


OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to describe the proportion seeking care, patient delay, and choice of provider among men and women with STD-related complaints in Nairobi, Kenya.


METHODS
A population-based questionnaire was administered in 7 randomly selected clusters (small geographic areas covering approximately 150 households each).


RESULTS
Of the 291 respondents reporting complaints, 20% of men versus 35% of women did not seek care, mainly because symptoms were not considered severe, symptoms had disappeared, or as a result of lack of money. Of those who sought care, women waited longer than men (41 vs. 16 days). Most men and women went to the private sector (72% and 57%, respectively), whereas the informal sector was rarely visited (13% and 16%, respectively). Relatively more women visited the government sector (28% vs. 15%). Because women were mostly monogamous, they did not relate their complaints to sexual intercourse, which hampered prompt care-seeking.


CONCLUSIONS
Women should be convinced to seek care promptly, eg, through health education in communities.
Voeten
Hélène A C M
HA
Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands. h.voeten@erasmusmc.nl
O'hara
Hilda B
HB
Kusimba
Judith
J
Otido
Julius M
JM
Ndinya-Achola
Jeckoniah O
JO
Bwayo
Job J
JJ
Varkevisser
Corlien M
CM
Habbema
J Dik F
JD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires