Factors Influencing Partner Involvement in Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among STI Patients Attending Clinics in Kiwempe, Lukuli Zone, Makindye Division KCCA, Uganda.

Abstract

Background: Partner notification and involvement in management of STIs comprises those public health activities where sexual counterparts of people with STIs are informed of their exposure and given definitive and supportive management. This is with an aim of treating all sexual partners (UNAIDS 2000). This study aimed to assess demographic, client and health care related factors influencing partner involvement in management of Sexually Transmitted Infections among STI patients attending Clinics found in Kiwempe Lukuli Makindye. Methodology: The study employed a cross sectional study design where quantitative data collection methods were used. Convenience and systematic sampling were used for selecting the two clinics and the 100 respondents that were involved in this study respectively. Data was collected by use of questionnaires and was analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results: A vast majority of respondents (95%) reported to have brought themselves to seek health care. The 99% who were unaccompanied reported that their sexual partners were either not comfortable (55%), busy at work (15%), uninformed (24%) or had feared expenses for treating two of them (5%). Overwhelming majority of participants (92%) expressed a desire to refer their steady partners or spouses if they were supported to and if the health care environment was supportive and friendly (100%). Conclusion: Partner notification and involvement was poor in this study as almost all of the clients had referred themselves and were unaccompanied for STI management. Poor partner involvement was influenced by both personal and health care related factors. Recommendation: Deliberate efforts should be directed towards Continuous education to the masses to empower them on partner involvement in STI management. All health care settings that provide STI management should be supported to become more accommodative to the need of the masses.