title: Exploring knowledge and healthseeking behaviour related to sexually transmitted infections among the tribal population of Madhya Pradesh, central India.
abstract: This community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the tribal population of randomly selected villages of Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh, central India. A total of 200 married men and women aged 15–49 years were interviewed to explore their knowledge, experience and health-seeking behaviour related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Though 91% of respondents were aware of STIs, the sexual route was mentioned by only 19%as the route of transmission. Around 18% reported a need for social isolation from persons with STIs. Though 88% of the respondents felt modern medicine was the best remedy for STIs, only a few of them used medical treatment while suffering from an STI. Twenty-seven per cent of respondents resorted to traditional healers, and 30% utilized home remedies for STI treatment. The study highlights a need for generating STI awareness amongst the tribal population of the region through a needs-based behaviour change communication (BCC)strategy.
authors.affiliation: Regional Medical Research Centre for Tribals, Indian Council of Medical Research, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: V G
authors.initials: VG
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.forename: K B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Saha
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bhat
authors.forename: B K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Tiwary
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abbad
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008519:Medicine, Traditional / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D055815:Young Adult