title: Predictors of use of traditional medicine by patients with sexually transmitted infections in southwest Uganda.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We studied the predictors for use of traditional medicine among patients with sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  
  
  METHODS
  We interviewed a consecutive sample of patients with STIs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mbarara and Bushenyi districts in southwestern Uganda.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two hundred and twenty-four (224) patients presenting with STIs who used allopathic (101) or traditional medicine (123).
  
  
  METHODS
  Using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, patients answered questions regarding their socioeconomic conditions, STI symptoms, and attitudinal beliefs, normative and self-efficacy beliefs toward use of traditional medicine.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The independent predictors of using traditional medicine were (1) presenting with genital ulcers as a symptom [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR 3.45) 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14-10.41], (2) presenting with a positive syphilis test (AOR 9.67, 95% CI 2.70-34.11), (3) having had STI symptoms for more than 30 days (AOR 3.61, 95% CI 1.28-11.58), (4) not presenting with urethral discharge as a symptom (AOR 12.56, 95% CI 5.37-19.87), (5) believing that traditional medicine prevents (AOR 4.53, 95% CI 1.89-11.92), or completely cures STIs (AOR 14.72, 95% CI 2.15-50.27), (6) being likely to use medicine recommended by traditional healers (AOR 17.60, 95% CI 2.89-40.01), (7) and being unlikely to be influenced by allopathic health workers in choice of type of medicine (AOR 15.98, 95% CI 3.52-72.48).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of traditional medicine is influenced by symptoms of STI and by having positive beliefs about traditional medicine and traditional healers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda. fnuwaha@musph.ac.ug
authors.forename: Fred
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Nuwaha
authors.forename: Elly
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Muganzi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016488:Medicine, African Traditional; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014454:Uganda / Q000453:epidemiology