Investigating the Causes of the High Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Illnesses in Du Noon Township - Abstract
Background: In South Africa, STIs or sexually transmitted infections represent a significant public health issue. STIs are acknowledged as one of the main
causes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic and as a significant contributor to the illness burden in South Africa. The HIV population in Du Noon
CHC in the Western Cape, South Africa, is around 8,000 persons. This study aims to investigate the potential causes of the high prevalence of STIs in the Du
Noon population.
Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 40 participants between the ages of 18 and 45 was carried out. Both structured questionnaires and one-on-one
patient interviews with open-ended questions were utilized to collect data.
Results: Cultural beliefs, having multiple partners, a lack of partner notification, alcohol consumption, and a lack of condom usage were found to be the
main contributing factors to the high incidence of STIs. Sex education at schools appears to be lacking or not in sufficient detail to inform students. It reflects
the other well-known cultural and socioeconomic issues confronting South African rural communities, e.g., poverty and sex, age-disparate relationships, and
polygamous relationships.
Conclusion: The widespread preliminary understanding and framing of HIV as an STI and how it is transmitted needs further investigations and research.
There is an urgent need to shift cultural ideologies and norms among the youth. This study highlighted how health education challenges, interpersonal relationships,
and socioeconomic barriers are still important factors in STI transmission.