RISK FACTOR OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AMONG PAKISTANI MALES

• Main Authors: JAMAL ABDUL NASIR, MUHAMMAD IMRAN, SYED ARIF AHMED ZAIDI
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Khyber Medical University 2016-10-01
• Series: Khyber Medical University Journal
• Online Access: https://www.kmuj.kmu.edu.pk/article/view/15098
• ISSN: 2305-2643; 2305-2651

OBJECTIVE: To examine the socio-demographic factors, associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among Pakistani males. METHODS: Bivariate and binary logistic regression analysis carried out by using the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) data set 2012-13, conducted by National Institute of Population Studies, Pakistan. RESULTS: Every 7 out of 10 ever-married men have heard about STIs and every 5 out of 10 believed that the risk of getting HIV/ADS can be reduced by always using condoms during sex. Bivariate analysis revealed that age, place of residence, education status, media access and wealth index were found to be significant i.e. (p<0.0001) with respect to STIs knowledge. Binary logistic regression model confirmed that younger participants had lack of knowledge [OR=0.127] compared to upper age-groups. Urban residents were more aware of STIs [OR=1.740]compared to rural residents. Illiterate participants had less knowledge regarding STIs [OR=.037] compared to people with higher education status. Media exposure was also positively associated with knowledge of STIs. The participants reading newspaper, listening to radio and watching television had more knowledge regarding STIs [OR= 2.082, 1.240 and 1.936] compared to people with no access to any sort of media. CONCLUSION: Participants with no education, low socio economic status, profound lack of media exposure, those living in rural areas and early ages are on greater risk to be affected with STIs. These statistical outcomes about STIs knowledge and exploration of significant socio demographic factors of ever-married men can be an emerging for disease management and prevention. KEY WORDS: Sexually Transmitted Diseases (MeSH), Sexually Transmitted Infections (MeSH), Pakistan (MeSH); Socio demographic determinants (Non-MeSH)