| Description |
Health Promotion; Background: Chlamydia Trachomatis( CT) is the most common treatable sexually transmitted bacterial infection (STI) worldwide and the highest prevalence rates are found in Pacific Islands countries. In Fiji, a Pacific Island country, high rates of CT have been reported among 18-24-year-old pregnant women, placing both the women and newborns at risk to suffer health consequences. In Fiji, many barriers exist to screening for the disease and treatment is symptom-based. The country lacks screening, diagnosis, and follow-up for this infection. Treatment is also affected by the population's general lack of knowledge of CT and social norms that keep people from openly speaking about sensitive health topics such as STIs. The purpose of this project was to improve screening and follow-up rates for CT among Fijian women through a community-based health education session that informed women about the disease's transmission, prevention, and treatment. Methods: Participants' gathered in small groups to receive informal education about CT. Participant's baseline knowledge of CT symptoms, transmission, and preventions were assessed using an 18-question pre-education questionnaire. In small groups and villages, participants (n = 47) engaged in a 20-40-minute education session regarding CT symptoms, transmission, and prevention. After completion of the education, participants filled out a post-education questionnaire that included the same 18 questions and one additional question to evaluate the presentation. At the end of the session, participants were given a brochure that reviewed the covered content and listed locations of screening for STIs. Participants were informed of clinic locations where they could obtain screening and a follow-up appointment as part of a larger study. Participant clinic follow up visits were tabulated for 4 months following the education. Results:Scores on pre and post-education questionnaires were compared using a Chi-Square test to assess a change in knowledge. Participants showed overall improvement in each of the questions regarding CT symptoms, transmission, and prevention, as well as decreased stigma relating to STIs. Statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) was seen on questions identifying what CT is, how it is transmitted, and its poor health effects. Before education, only 17% of participants knew what CT was, 19% of participants knew that CT could present without symptoms, and 25% of participants were aware of CTs poor health effects on future infertility; after education, participants scored 95-100% regarding each of these questions. Participant's baseline knowledge regarding the use of condoms to prevent STIs was high and remained high in the post-education questionnaire. However, the use of condoms was not assessed in this project, which could have projected the rates of risky sexual behavior. Of the participants who attended education sessions, only 23% attended the clinic for initial screening, and < 8% of total participants attended both the initial screening and follow-up appointments.Conclusion: Culturally sensitive sexual health education is necessary to improve knowledge regarding CT infection among Pacific Islander communities. This project demonstrates that learning in both small groups and villages can improve knowledge of STIs symptoms, transmission, and prevention, as well as decrease stigma regarding STIs. This project also expresses the need for further interventions and designs to improve STI screening and follow-up rates in this country. |
