Knowledge And Awareness Of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Men And Women Of Pakistan

Abstract

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a major public health concern of the 21st century, affecting more than one million populations globally (Unemo et al., 2017). These STDs differ in their course and prognosis, as most STIs remain asymptomatic and do not progress while few of these infections result in life-long complications ranging from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility and carcinomas of the reproductive tract to oral cancers (NIPS, 2018). 

The present research study aimed to explore knowledge and misconceptions, cultural barriers regarding STDs knowledge, lack of sexual health care services availability for STDs and also lack of knowledge update in men impacting women sexual health.

A systematic review was conducted on electronic data bases that include PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, CINAHL and Med Line. The researcher has included qualitative and quantitative research studies of male and female participants of reproductive age focusing on STDs knowledge and awareness in Pakistan. Therefore, a narrative synthesis approach was used with thematic analysis method. Research studies between 2006 -2022 was included based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Three main themes of the study are identified that includes poor knowledge and misconception, cultural barriers regarding STDs knowledge and awareness and lack of sexual healthcare services availability among male and female of Pakistan.

Findings of the research study revealed that the majority of participants had inadequate knowledge of STDs, with significant misconceptions regarding their transmission, symptoms, and treatment. Cultural barriers, such as conservative attitudes towards sex and limited access to sexual health education, were identified as significant obstacles to STDs awareness. Furthermore, lack of sexual healthcare services availability, particularly in rural areas, further compounded the problem.

The study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions aimed at promoting STDs awareness, improving access to sexual health education and services, and addressing cultural barriers and misconceptions. Effective and culturally sensitive interventions, including community engagement and education campaigns, could reduce the burden of STDs and improve sexual health outcomes in Pakistan.