title: Use of modern and traditional products to self-treat symptoms of sexually transmitted infections in South African women.
abstract: The objective of the study is to investigate products used by women self-treating symptoms of reproductive tract infections (RTIs), including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and their methods of administration. A household survey using a multi-stage cluster sample design was undertaken in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Women aged 18-60 years were interviewed (n = 867) and information was collected on demographics, reproductive health and sexual behaviours. A fifth of women reported having RTI/STI symptoms (20.5%), of whom 41.9% were treating these symptoms (mostly discharge [79.1%], ulcers [6.8%] and itching [7.7%]). Only three women were using medication prescribed by a health provider, while the remainder were self-treating using traditional medicines and modern products, including antiseptics, soaps, petroleum jelly, menthol creams and alum. Products were administered in various ways. Although RTI/STI treatment is widely available and free in public health facilities, many women are still self-treating. Potential harm of products for self-treatment requires further investigation and efforts should be made to improve STI service uptake.
authors.affiliation: Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health and Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of The Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa. mbeksinska@match.org.za
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Beksinska
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Smit
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Scorgie
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dube
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kunene
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Martin-Hilber
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chersich
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012651:Self Medication / Q000379:methods*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013019:South Africa; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local