Partner notification and STI patient experiences in Ekurhuleni East, Gauteng, South Africa.

IF 1.7 Q4 PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
Noluthando Mpobole, Raikane J Seretlo, Mathildah M Mokgatle
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background:  Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a widespread public health concern, disproportionately impacting young adults. This group is at higher risk due to factors like limited knowledge, misconceptions about sexual health, inconsistent condom use, multiple sexual partners, and barriers to youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services. Partner notification (PN) strategies are critical in STI control. Effective notification and communication with sexual partners can help break the infection chain and encourage early diagnosis and treatment. However, the dynamics of PN in young individuals remain unclear.

Aim:  To explore PN practices and experiences of STI-diagnosed patients with their sexual partners in the Ekurhuleni East sub-district, Gauteng, South Africa.

Setting:  The study was conducted in five healthcare facilities in Ekurhuleni East.

Methods:  Thirty participants were selected purposively, using an exploratory design. A semi-structured interview guide and in-depth face-to-face interviews were used. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis, following Braun and Clarke's six-phase approach: familiarisation, coding, theme identification, theme review, theme definition, and report production.

Results:  The study identifies key areas for improving STI prevention and PN. Low understanding and cultural attitudes around STIs highlight the need for culturally relevant health education. PN presents emotional and relational issues, including intimate partner abuse and casual relationships, indicating the need for supportive and adaptable notification methods.

Conclusion:  The study highlights the importance of addressing knowledge gaps and cultural beliefs about STIs and promoting open communication in relationships.Contribution: This study contributes insights to healthcare policymakers and practitioners to improve STI management and safer sexual practices among young people.

南非豪登省东Ekurhuleni的性伴侣通报和性传播感染患者经历
背景:性传播感染(STIs)是一个广泛的公共卫生问题,对年轻人的影响尤为严重。由于知识有限、对性健康的误解、不一致地使用安全套、多性伴侣以及获得方便青年的性健康和生殖健康服务的障碍等因素,这一群体面临更高的风险。伙伴通知(PN)策略在STI控制中至关重要。与性伴侣的有效通知和沟通有助于打破感染链,鼓励早期诊断和治疗。然而,年轻人PN的动态仍不清楚。目的:探讨南非豪登省Ekurhuleni东街道性传播感染确诊患者及其性伴侣的PN做法和经验。环境:该研究在东埃库尔胡莱尼的五家卫生保健机构进行。方法:采用探索性设计,有目的地选择30名受试者。采用半结构化访谈指南和深度面对面访谈。数据分析采用主题内容分析,遵循Braun和Clarke的六阶段方法:熟悉、编码、主题识别、主题审查、主题定义和报告制作。结果:该研究确定了改善STI预防和PN的关键领域。对性传播感染的理解和文化态度低下,突出表明需要开展与文化相关的健康教育。PN带来了情感和关系问题,包括亲密伴侣虐待和随意关系,这表明需要支持性和适应性强的通知方法。结论:该研究强调了解决关于性传播感染的知识差距和文化信仰以及促进关系中开放沟通的重要性。贡献:本研究为卫生保健政策制定者和从业人员提供了见解,以改善年轻人的性传播感染管理和更安全的性行为。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
3.30
自引率
10.00%
发文量
81
审稿时长
15 weeks
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