Syphilis infection among female sex workers and single women in Lusaka: perceptions, practices and associated factors.
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Date
2019
Authors
Choongo, Mwaka
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
Introduction: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that remains a major global public health problem. Syphilis is caused by the bacterium called Treponema pallidum. There are 5.6 million new cases of syphilis worldwide each year and in Zambia the risk of acquiring HIV infection through sexual intercourse is increased 3–5 times in women who are infected with syphilis. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors, experiences and perceptions associated with syphilis infection among female sex workers and single women in Lusaka.
Method: The study used a mixed sequential explanatory method to collect and analyze the data. 349 participants were eligible to participate in this study where 165 were FSW and 184 were SU5. Stata Version 14.0 was used for data analysis Univariate logistic regression was used to determine the association with syphilis and multivariate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) together with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were also reported. The qualitative part used expert opinion purposive sampling where those that tested syphilis positive within the inclusion criteria were selected to participate in the Focus Groups Discussions (FDGs). A FGD interview guide was used to collect the qualitative data and 3 FGDs were conducted, (FSW, SU5 and FSW/SU5).
Results: The results for unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression both showed strong evidence that women who had a ‘History of Syphilis’ were 15 times more likely to contract syphilis again once exposed to the bacterium. The qualitative analysis showed that alcohol abuse, poverty, lack of steady income and sex for gifts and money were some main themes that caused women to indulge in risky behaviours.
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that women regardless of being a female sex worker or just a sexually active single woman were all at risk of acquiring Syphilis. The study showed that women that had a history of Syphilis were more likely to get infected again once exposed and understanding their experiences and perceptions for these behaviors is useful in developing effective syphilis public health campaigns.
Description
Thesis of Master of Public Health in Health Promotion and Education