Hashwani S, Hiran T, Fatima M.
Awareness of sexually transmitted diseases in a selected sample in Karachi.
J Pak Med Assoc Jan ;49(7):161-4.

INTRODUCTION: Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are a major public health problem in developing countries (Adler, 1996). The purpose of this study was to asses women`s knowledge level about STDs. METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional survey was done and data collected through a semi-structured interview. A convenient sample of 30 sexually active females between the ages of 15-45 years from an urban community in Karachi was selected for the study. RESULTS: The survey findings showed that 30% of the women reported that they had adequate knowledge and 20% partial knowledge. Thus almost three-quarters of the respondents indicated either inadequacy or lack of knowledge about STDs. CONCLUSION: Our results establish a need for STD clinics at Community-based Primary Health Care (PHC) Centers. These clinics need to address screening, treatment and health education issues in relation to STDs for the target population.

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