THE PSYCHO-SOCIAL DIMENSION OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES: A STUDY IN AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, ZARIA
THE PSYCHO-SOCIAL DIMENSION OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES: A STUDY IN AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, ZARIA
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Date
1987-09
Authors
OTESANYA, BERNADETTE EKWUTOSI NNABUGWU
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Abstract
The study examined the socio-demographic
characteristics of patients that attended the
sexually transmitted disease clinic (SID) otherwise
known as special treatment clinic of the Ahmadu
Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria. It also
examined the types of diseases and history of such
diseases in this society.
The source of data were hospital records of
nine hundred and sixty one patients, studied for
the period of June 1986 to hay 1987. Out of this
total, a sample of one hundred was subjected to
a more detailed personal interview using a
questionnaire method within four weeks of April/
May 1987 to elicit such psycho-social factors like
stigmai pattern of utilization of treatment which
could not immediately be identified in the hospital
records.
Findings showed that in the total sample (961)
there was disease in females under 5 years old
2,81. Those of ages 20 - 24 years had the highest
representation (27.06%) males and (5.52%) females.
The oldest age of respondents was 55 years with
8% representation. Most patients (60.35%) were
single, 34.55% were students and (13.01%) were civil
servants. The two main religions, Christianity and
islam, were represented with 30.9% moslems and
58.90% christians recorded. enorrhoea was the most common disease with
43% reported cases in the clinic. Males (82.83%)
attended the clinic more than females (17.l4%);
females were found to be sex contapts.
The 100 respondents revealed polygamy among
3.9% of the married. There was a great use of
traditional medicine and self medications before
attending the clinic. There was also evidence
of. previous exposure to disease among 61% of
respondents. Patients perception of disease guided
their reaction to it. Secrecy, sexual exposure
even with disease, extended family system
(especially for the under 5 years) were identified
as factors in the spread and therefore, difficult
in the control of control of sexually transmitted disease.
Emphasis on prevention using social medicine,
which takes cognizance of the diverse culture and
norms of society is recommended. Health education
with emphasis on sex education and persuasion based
on the knowledge of cause and pattern of distribution
of disease is also recommended especially for the
single.
Description
A Thesis submitted to the Postgraduate School
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in Partial
Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree
of Master of Science in Sociology With
Specialization in Medical Sociology,
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY
FACULTY OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY
ZARIA, NIGERIA
Keywords
PSYCHO-SOCIAL, DIMENSION, SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, ZARIA