A study on factors influencing partner notification in patients with sexually transmitted infections at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.
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Date
2002-07-24
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Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore factors that would influence partner notification in patients with STI’s at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. The
Health Belief Model by Rosenstock (1988) was used to guide the study. A
descriptive study design was used and data was collected by face to face
interviews of 30 patients with sexually transmitted infections. A structured interview guide was utilized in data collection. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Frequency tables, graphs and pie
charts were used to present data. An equal number of males and females were enrolled into the study, 50% (n=15) males and 50% (n=15) female. The participants' ages ranged from 18 to 64 years but the majority ranged from
20 to 24 years falling in the sexually active group of 15 to 49 years.
Majority of the patients 80% (n=24) presented with symptoms which were
commonly presented in most STI clinics for instance genital ulcers. It took
less than 7 days for the majority to realize they had STI symptoms because
symptoms caused discomfort in them. The results showed that upon
realizing that they were infected, the majority 66.7%(n=20) did not tell their
partners because they were scared and worried that their relationships would
be disrupted.
All the patients 100% (n=30) indicated that sexual matters were not communicated openly because they were supposed to be kept a secret. Though they had been treated privately at the clinic, 40% (n=12) of the patients did not interact comfortably with the health workers because of the
nature and stigma of the infection. Attitude towards partner notification was good among the patients because it would prevent reinfection. In as much as
they had good attitude towards partner notification the majority 63.3% (n=19) had no intentions to notify their partners because they had fears of relationship disruption. Therefore, this calls for health workers to ensure that clinics are client friendly so that patients express their concerns on the infection freely. In-service education for health workers on counselling and communication skills should be organized to reinforce the skills so that
patients are helped accordingly and they are encouraged to notify partners.