THE PSYCHO-SOCIAL DIMENSION OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES: A STUDY IN AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, ZARIA

THE PSYCHO-SOCIAL DIMENSION OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES: A STUDY IN AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, ZARIA

Abstract:

The study examined the socio-demographic characteristics of patients that attended the sexually transmitted disease clinic (SID) otherwise known as special treatment clinic of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria. It also examined the types of diseases and history of such diseases in this society. The source of data were hospital records of nine hundred and sixty one patients, studied for the period of June 1986 to hay 1987. Out of this total, a sample of one hundred was subjected to a more detailed personal interview using a questionnaire method within four weeks of April/ May 1987 to elicit such psycho-social factors like stigmai pattern of utilization of treatment which could not immediately be identified in the hospital records. Findings showed that in the total sample (961) there was disease in females under 5 years old 2,81. Those of ages 20 – 24 years had the highest representation (27.06%) males and (5.52%) females. The oldest age of respondents was 55 years with 8% representation. Most patients (60.35%) were single, 34.55% were students and (13.01%) were civil servants. The two main religions, Christianity and islam, were represented with 30.9% moslems and 58.90% christians recorded. enorrhoea was the most common disease with 43% reported cases in the clinic. Males (82.83%) attended the clinic more than females (17.l4%); females were found to be sex contapts. The 100 respondents revealed polygamy among 3.9% of the married. There was a great use of traditional medicine and self medications before attending the clinic. There was also evidence of. previous exposure to disease among 61% of respondents. Patients perception of disease guided their reaction to it. Secrecy, sexual exposure even with disease, extended family system (especially for the under 5 years) were identified as factors in the spread and therefore, difficult in the control of control of sexually transmitted disease. Emphasis on prevention using social medicine, which takes cognizance of the diverse culture and norms of society is recommended. Health education with emphasis on sex education and persuasion based on the knowledge of cause and pattern of distribution of disease is also recommended especially for the single.

THE PSYCHO-SOCIAL DIMENSION OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES: A STUDY IN AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, ZARIA