Use of modern and traditional products to self-treat symptoms of sexually transmitted infections in South African women

Author:

Beksinska M E1,Smit J1,Scorgie F1,Dube S1,Kunene B2,Martin-Hilber A3,Chersich M45

Affiliation:

1. Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health and Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of The Witwatersrand, Durban

2. Program for Appropriate Technology in Health, Johannesburg, South Africa

3. Institute of Tropical and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

4. Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa

5. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University, Belgium

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.

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Subject

Infectious Diseases,Pharmacology (medical),Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health,Dermatology

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