Factors Associated with Health Seeking Behavior for Reproductive Tract Infections among Young Street Females in Eldoret, Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: A reproductive tract infection (RTIs), among young women is a public health concern, especially in developing countries like Kenya. When a reproductive tract infection occurs, urgent treatment should be done to avoid short and long term consequences.

However, few studies have evaluated factors associated with RTIs and healthcare seeking behaviours especially, among young street women in low and middle-income countries.

Objective: This study aimed at determining the factors associated with healthcare seeking behavior for RTI infections among young street females in Eldoret town in Kenya.  

Methodology:  This study utilized a cross-sectional study design. The study participants were young street females aged between 10-24 years. The independent variables  of the study were age, education level, occupation, marital status, and healthcare associated factors such as distance to the facility, and health care perspectives on reproductive health were assessed.

 Informed consent was obtained from participants while assent was obtained from guardians for minors and persons in charge of street families.

Results: A total of 77 young street females were enrolled. Those aged ≤15 years were 10 (13%) while those aged ≥ 20 years were 48 (62.3%). The study established that participants aged between 16 to 19 years were less likely to report having had an RTI compared to those aged between 20 to 24 years (95% CI; 0.216 (0.070-0.671), p=0.006).

Majority had heard of RTI (62, 80.5%). Out of the fifty respondents (65%) who reported having ever experienced RTI in their lifetime, 36 (72%) sought treatment for the illness with 46 respondents (94%) seeking treatment after two days post-onset of symptoms. Additionally, the main first points of seeking treatment were pharmacies (21, 43%) and health facilities (25, 51%).

Conclusions: The study findings show there’s a high burden of STIs among young street females in Eldoret.