Determinants of Demand for Health Care Among Sexually Transmitted Infections Patients in Kenya

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Global Health
The Global STI Crisis:
Over the past few decades, more than 30 sexually transmitted pathogens have been discovered, including the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The World Health Organization estimates that each year there are an estimated 374 million new infections of curable STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. These infections may lead to unnecessary deaths despite the availability of cost-effective prevention methods for most of these conditions.
The Situation in Kenya:
In Kenya, various policies have been formulated to address various conditions including STIs. Individuals suffering from STIs are highly encouraged to seek medical care and avoid transmitting to uninfected individuals. However, about 14% of men and 25% of women never sought treatment for STIs or advice from any healthcare service provider. Furthermore, 42% and 23% of people with sexually transmitted infections had been symptomatic for a period of one and two weeks respectively.
Determinants of Healthcare Use:
Although numerous studies have been conducted in many countries to establish the determinants of healthcare use among people with sexually transmitted infections, there is still very little information on the determinants of healthcare use among STI patients in Kenya.
Recent Study Findings:
A recent study aimed to determine factors influencing health care demand for STIs in Kenya. The study analyzed data from the 2014 Kenya Demographic Household Survey (KDHS). The findings revealed that the age of the patient, sex, marital status, education levels, wealth quintiles, employment status, residence, and sex partners were statistically significant determinants of the utilization of healthcare services among STI patients in Kenya.
Conclusion:
Addressing the issue of STIs in Kenya and other developing countries requires a comprehensive approach that not only focuses on treatment but also on understanding the factors that influence the demand for healthcare. By doing so, we can develop strategies that encourage more individuals to seek treatment and prevent the spread of these infections.