TARGETED INTERVENTION RESEARCH STUDIES ON SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STD) - METHODOLOGY, SELECTED FINDINGS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR STD SERVICE DELIVERY AND COMMUNICATIONS

Objective: To report the findings of qualitative studies designed for use in improving sexually transmitted disease (STD) programs. The stud ies explore illness conceptions and treatment behaviors for STD in fiv e African countries. These targeted intervention research (TIR) studie s were performed on clinic-based and community-based samples in repres entative communities and utilized a variety of qualitative research me thods (e.g. in-depth and key informant interviews, focus group discuss ions). Findings: Study findings revealed that community members' expla nations of symptoms, classification of illnesses, and perceptions of w hether symptoms are pathological or serious influence individual healt h-care-seeking behaviors. Data also showed that local terms for STD ar e often disparaging and do not fit into biomedical designations. STD p atient care-seeking frequently reflects an ordered, albeit loosely con structed, process of elimination in pursuit of symptom relief, wherein alternative treatments are tried and proven effective or abandoned. C onclusions: The TIR studies highlight the importance of community-spec ific strategies aimed at increasing prompt care seeking at qualified b iomedical facilities. Information from study data should lead programs to sensitize health professionals to community understanding about ST D and to design services and communication programs that are meaningfu l and appropriate to local contexts. (C) 1998 Lippincott Williams & Wi lkins.