Use of sexual health services at hospitals by cleaning workers in Bogotá D.C. 2016

Abstract

Introduction: Poverty and social inequalities together with sexually transmitted diseases have a negative impact on women’s health, which is considered to be a public health problem. Objective: To analyze barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services in cleaning workers. Materials and methods: A survey was administered to a sample of 37 female cleaning workers at a hospital in Bogotá D.C. A bivariate analysis was performed with chi-square test, as well as a multivariate analysis with binomial logistic regression. Results: Need factors showed greater association with non-use of sexual health services. All married women had accessed the service over the past 12 months, but there were 5.9 less possibilities of using sexual and reproductive health services when there was no awareness about risk behaviors of sexually transmitted diseases. Conclusion: The determining factor for the utilization of sexual health services is the health care need factor. Variables such as perception of risk behaviors and appropriateness of health care significantly influence the use of the service.