Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Homeless People in a Municipal Shelter

Abstract

Health problems are substantially increased in homeless populations who have higher prevalence's of infectious diseases than do general population. They have relatively earlier onset of sexual activity, and due to lack of information, many facilities for the practice of unprotected sex and low level of condom usage increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study aims to identify the knowledge and prevention of STIs among homeless people. An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted in a Tbilisi municipal shelter. Within the framework of the quantitative research, the beneficiaries were interviewed with a self-administered questionnaire. Most of the respondents (98%) have heard about STIs, but their health literacy is low. Although respondents knew the risk factors for STIs, they had a high degree of risk-taking sexual behavior evidenced by the very low percentage using condoms (15.2%) and a large proportion having multiple partners (54.3%). It is necessary to raise awareness about STIs and promote sexual education of respondents at the municipal shelter.

Health Capital, Primary Health Care and Economic Growth

“…According to the Ministry of Health, only 50.9% of the patients have referred to the primary healthcare facilities [34. All this shows that the primary healthcare system cannot fulfill the role of the so-called "gatekeeper". In general, the primary healthcare system has not developed in Georgia (35,36,37,38). The average life expectancy has increased for recent 25 years.…”

Access to Ambulatory Medicines for the Elderly in Georgia

“…However, patients have low confidence with the family doctor’s institution and are less likely to contact the family doctor. 33 Research indicate the need to develop educational programs with specific interventions to raise awareness about PPMCD among pensioners.…”

Instrument validity: HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in homeless people

“…To calculate the sample, 95% confidence and 3% margin of error were used, using the formula for sampling, as proposed ( 7 ) : n = N.p.q. (Z) 2 divided by p.q(z) 2 + (N-1). E 2 , where N= population (110), n= sample, p.q= population proportion (0.25), confidence = 95%, E= error (3% = 0.03), Z= critical value (1.96).…”

“…(Z) 2 divided by p.q(z) 2 + (N-1). E 2 , where N= population (110), n= sample, p.q= population proportion (0.25), confidence = 95%, E= error (3% = 0.03), Z= critical value (1.96). Thus, n =110 .…”

“…However, more than 20% disagreed with the need to use condoms during anal intercourse, and 68.3% stated that the number of partners does not interfere with the chances of having STIs. Although they have heard about it, they do not really know what the disease is and have not shown good awareness ( 2 ) .…”