Knowledge on and attitude towards Sexually Transmitted Infections: A qualitative study of people with physical disabilities in a peri-urban district of Ghana

Abstract

Persons with disabilities are at higher risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), however, they are often excluded from programmes targeting groups at high risk of STIs. This study explored the level of knowledge and attitude of persons with physical disabilities toward Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Jachie Community in Ashanti Region of Ghana. This was a descriptive study using a qualitative approach and conducting in-depth interview among 17 participants who were purposively selected. The data were transcribed, analysed, and presented in themes that emerged. Most of the participants mentioned that STIs are transmitted mainly through unprotected sex, kissing, blood transfusion and cuts from an infected blade or razor. The participants knew STIs such as HIV/AIDS, gonorrhoea, syphilis and candidiasis. Also, participants also resorted to using the internet as a source to get information about STIs. They intermittently visit the hospital for checkup when they see any abnormalities with their reproductive health. The use of condoms as a way of preventing STIs was low among the participants. This was as a result of the belief that one gets STI only if he/she has multiple sexual partners. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Adjei Gyimah Akwasi Holds BSc and MPhil in Disability, Rehabilitation and Development from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. His research interests include disability studies, sexual reproductive health, social policy, ageing, sustainable development and inclusive education. The authors of this paper form a team of upward researchers who jointly articulate the knowledge and attitude of persons with disabilities on sexually transmitted infections in Ghana. In this paper, the authors present how the person with physical disability understand issues regarding sexually transmitted infections. PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT People with physical disability are vulnerable within societies and continue to be associated with limited knowledge concerning several issues including sexually transmitted infections. It is a common misconception that people with disability are asexual and as a result are not interested in sexual affairs. However, limited studies exist especially in Ghana to explore knowledge and attitude of people with physical disability on sexually transmitted infections. By adopting a qualitative approach, this study tries to unearth knowledge and attitude among people with physical disability on sexual-transmitted infections. The study provides evidence to demonstrate that people with physical disability have average knowledge on the mode of transmission, prevention , and various types of STIs. The findings call for intensified sexual transmitted infection education and awareness creation for people with physical disability.