Title: A Cross Sectional Study on Knowledge, Awareness and Practices Regarding RTIs/STDs among Married Tribal Women (Aged 25 – 45 years) in Northern India
Authors: Ruqia Quansar, Hina Bashir, Mohsina Mukhtar, S.M. Salim Khan, Mahk Nelofar
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i6.81
Abstract
Background: Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs) including Sexually Transmitted infections (STIs) are silent epidemics and are recognized as public health problem and are the cause of healthy life lost among women of reproductive age. The problem of RTI/STD morbidity in women is largely due to ignorance, low level of awareness regarding sexual and reproductive health and other social factors like low female literacy, cultural factors and taboos - all withholding the women from seeking health care for RTI/STDs. Tribal communities are always been distinct with their unique culture, traditions, believes and practices. In the context of the rapid spread of RTI/STD infection in India, it is very essential to understand the knowledge regarding various aspects of RTI/STD among the tribal women of India.
Methodology: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in Tribal area of District Srinagar from March 2016 to December 2016. Married women (age 25- 45 years) were selected randomly from the area. A total of 204 married women were interviewed using pre-structured questionnaire.
Results: In our study, the majority of women were in the age group of 31-35 years (40%), illiterate (84.8%), belonged to nuclear families (59.32%) and were multipara (>3 = 60.3%). 48.5% women had heard about RTI/STDs. 58.5% women opted for treatment and only 36.3% women had their husbands also treated.
Conclusion: Overall the knowledge, awareness and practices were poor among the tribal women. There is a need for imparting awareness regarding the transmission and prevention of RTI/STDs.
Keywords: Tribal women, Reproductive tract infection, Knowledge, Awareness, Practice.
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