Factors associated with awareness about syphilis and gonorrhoea among women in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Currently, syphilis and gonorrhoea among women is a topic great concernin Bangladesh. To date, little is known in the existing literature regarding its prevalence, and the current level of syphilis and gonorrhoea awareness among women with regard to prevention is inadequate. This research aims to identify factors associated with awareness of syphilis and gonorrhoea among women in Bangladesh.  Methods: Data were collected from women by the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2011 as a cross-sectional study. The seven divisions surveyed were Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Chittagong, Barisal, Khulna and Sylhet. The number of women in the seven divisions totalled 17,842. The chi-squared test and a logistic regression model were used to determine the social-demographic factors associated with awareness about syphilis and gonorrhoea among women in Bangladesh.  Results: The rate of awareness about syphilis and gonorrhoea among women in Bangladesh was 13.3% and 15.7%, respectively. The chi-squared test   and logistic analysis demonstrated that there is a significant association between the awareness of syphilis and gonorrhoea with the respondents’ age, location of the respondents’ house, educational level of the respondent, socioeconomic status, geographic region, and respondents that listened to the radio and watched TV.  Conclusions: There is an essential need to expand the learning and teaching program in Bangladesh regarding syphilis and gonorrhoea, mainly among younger women (<25 years) in all topographical and rural areas. Advertising drives and mass broadcasting programs can be used to increase knowledge within societies, particularly among women. In addition, the low awareness of syphilis and gonorrhoea indicates that prevention interventions are required among women.