Quality of health Information, education and counselling services for effective secondary prevention of sexually transmitted infections at Bwaila STI Clinic
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Date
2016-11-01
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Abstract
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are preventable, though the public continue to be infected and increase reproductive health morbidity and mortality in Malawi. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the quality of Information, Education and Counselling (IEC) services provided to STI patients at Bwaila hospital in Lilongwe District. A descriptive quantitative design was utilised. The participants were recruited using systematic random sampling method and a total of 384 STI participants were recruited to participate in the study. Data were collected using semi structured questionnaire and observational checklists and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20.Relationship between variables was established using cross tabulations and Chi-square tests (χ2). The quality of IEC services provided to clients attending the STI clinic was sub-standard. This was attributed to inadequate structures and provider practices during provision of IEC. On average, the facility scored 59% on IEC services rendered which is far below the recommended 80% to be regarded as providing quality IEC services. Many participants (65.4% n=251) were not informed about the type of STI they are infected with and acquired limited knowledge on STI signs, symptoms, transmission, complications, prevention, partner notification and return visit. The attendance of group IEC was significantly associated with acquisition of knowledge on STI transmission (χ2=273.347, df=3, p value=0.000) and time adequacy opinion (χ2= 271.806, df=1, p value=0.000). Infrastructure renovations, increasing staff, development of protocols, refresher courses emphasising on IEC messages and interpersonal communication skills are some of the strategies which could improve provision of IEC.