SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

Objectives: This study aimed to uncover the trend regarding knowledge aboutsexually transmitted infections (STIs) among Pakistani women of reproductive age 15-49 as wellas evaluating the socio demographic differentials associated with STIs knowledge. Design:The secondary data sets are used of Pakistan demographic and health survey (PDHS) of evermarried women with sample size 10023and 13558.Period: PDHS 2006-07 and PDHS 2012-13.Setting: The national institute of population studies done this survey with the technical supportfrom ICF International and Pakistan bureau of statistics and the USAID supported the financially.Methods: Descriptive frame work along withbivariate analysis was performed to understandthe trend regarding STIs knowledge and evaluate the significant socio demographic factorsrespectively. Results: The awareness regarding STIs and knowledge to use always condomduring sex to reduce the risk of getting HIV/AIDSafter equating the two PDHS has improvedover time just by 3.85% and 6.50% respectively in PDHS-2012-13 compared to PDHS 2006-07.Early age group (15-19) women have sufficient lack of knowledge about STIs. Urban has moreknowledge regarding STIs compared to rural. Education, wealth index and media awarenesshave positive association with STIs knowledge. Conclusions: Socio demographic differentialssuch as age, education, location and geographical area of residence, media access, wealthindex and women occupation are found to be statistically highly significant with respect tosexually transmitted infections knowledge. These statistical outcomes will enhance thecapability in disease management and control.