HEALTH CARE-SEEKING BEHAVIOR RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION OF SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASES IN KENYA

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to identify health-care seek ing and related behaviors relevant to controlling sexually transmitted diseases in Kenya. Methods. A total of 380 patients with sexually tra nsmitted diseases (n = 189 men and 191 women) at eight public clinics were questioned about their health-care seeking and sexual behaviors: Results. Women waited longer than men to attend study clinics and were more likely to continue to have sex while symptomatic. A large propor tion of patients had sought treatment previously in both the public an d private sectors without relief of symptoms, resulting in delays in p resenting to study clinics. For women, being married and giving a rece nt history of selling sex were both independently associated with cont inuing to have sex while symptomatic. Conclusions. Reducing the transm ission of sexually transmitted diseases in Kenya will require improved access, particularly for women, to effective health services, prefera bly at the point of first contact with the health system. It is also c ritical to encourage people to reduce sexual activity while symptomati c, seek treatment promptly, and increase condom use.