Sexually Transmitted Infections; Trends and Differentials

Abstract

This study aimed to uncover the trend regarding knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among Pakistani women of reproductive age 15-49 as well as evaluating the socio demographic differentials associated with STIs knowledge. Design: The secondary data sets are used of Pakistan demographic and health survey (PDHS) of ever married women with sample size 10023and 13558.Period: PDHS 2006-07 and PDHS 2012-13. Setting: The national institute of population studies done this survey with the technical support from ICF International and Pakistan bureau of statistics and the USAID supported the financially. Methods: Descriptive frame work along withbivariate analysis was performed to understand the trend regarding STIs knowledge and evaluate the significant socio demographic factors respectively. Results: The awareness regarding STIs and knowledge to use always condom during sex to reduce the risk of getting HIV/AIDSafter equating the two PDHS has improved over time just by 3.85% and 6.50% respectively in PDHS-2012-13 compared to PDHS 2006-07. Early age group (15-19) women have sufficient lack of knowledge about STIs. Urban has more knowledge regarding STIs compared to rural. Education, wealth index and media awareness have positive association with STIs knowledge. Conclusions: Socio demographic differentials such as age, education, location and geographical area of residence, media access, wealth index and women occupation are found to be statistically highly significant with respect to sexually transmitted infections knowledge. These statistical outcomes will enhance the capability in disease management and control.