SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL-CORRELATES OF PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE

Objectives: To review the social and behavioral correlates of pelvic i nflammatory disease (PID) in the light of the renewed interest in the transmission dynamics of communicable diseases, the new emphasis on he alth care seeking and health service provision, and increased attentio n to contextual and population level factors affecting morbidity. Meth ods: Social and behavioral correlates of PID are reviewed using a conc eptual scheme that matrixes the differences among risk factors for exp osure, acquisition, and development of sequelae with the differences b etween individual-level risk factors and population-level determinants . Results: Two major factors contribute to the development of PID: rec urrent (or persistent) chlamydial infection of the cervix, which are g eographically concentrated and associated with contextual variables, a nd critical delays in detection and treatment of cervical infection, w hich are amenable to interventions. Conclusions: Widespread screening for cervical infection followed by timely and appropriate treatment is key for prevention of PID. Health care seeking, provider training, an d availability of detection technologies and drugs need to be improved .