Improved IMS Clinical Access

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 147 views

Relationship of Knowledge and Attitudes of Commercial Sex Workers with the Utilization of the IMS Clinic and Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Sibolangit District, Deli Serdang Regency

Introduction

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a significant public health concern worldwide, particularly in regions with high prevalence rates. In Sibolangit District, Deli Serdang Regency, the situation is no exception. Commercial sex workers (CSWs) are among the most vulnerable populations to STIs due to their occupation, which often involves high-risk behaviors. Understanding the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and the utilization of STI clinics among CSWs is crucial to developing effective prevention strategies. This study aims to investigate the relationship between CSW knowledge and attitudes with the utilization of the STI Clinic and prevention of STIs in Sibolangit District.

Background

Sibolangit District faces a significant challenge in preventing STIs among CSWs. The proportion of preventive measures in place is only 62.5%, indicating a pressing need to address this issue. Knowledge and attitudes of CSWs play a critical role in determining their behavior and utilization of health services. A better understanding of these factors can inform the development of targeted interventions to improve STI prevention and control.

Methodology

This study employed an analytic approach with a cross-sectional survey method. A total of 210 CSWs were sampled from a population of 230 living in Sibolangit District. The sampling technique used was proportionate random sampling. Data were collected through interviews using a questionnaire, and the analysis was carried out using the chi-square test at a significance level of α = 5%.

Results

The results showed a significant relationship between CSW knowledge and the utilization of the STI Clinic. CSWs with better knowledge tend to use clinical services more frequently. Additionally, a positive attitude towards condom use was associated with increased utilization of the STI Clinic. The findings also indicated that CSW knowledge contributes to the prevention of STIs among them.

Analysis

The results of this study highlight the importance of increasing knowledge and attitudes among CSWs in preventing STIs. Intensive education about the importance of condom use and access to health services is crucial. Counseling about STIs and how to prevent them, such as the use of condoms, can increase awareness among CSWs and their customers. This, in turn, can lead to a decline in STI transmission in Sibolangit District.

Recommendations

Health Counseling: Health workers in Sibolangit District should conduct more intensive counseling to CSWs regarding IMS prevention. Education about the importance of condom use as a precautionary step must be strengthened.
Improved IMS Clinical Access: Ensuring that the STI Clinic is easily accessible by CSWs will increase the use of these services. This includes providing clear information about the location and hours of clinical operating.
Collaboration with Customers: Encouraging CSW customers to use condoms during sexual intercourse is an important step in reducing the risk of STI transmission.
Community-Based Interventions: Implementing community-based interventions, such as peer education and outreach programs, can help to increase awareness and knowledge among CSWs and their customers.

Conclusion

Health education that focuses on increasing knowledge and attitudes among CSWs can play an important role in preventing STIs in Sibolangit District. Through appropriate prevention steps, it is expected that the number of STI transmission can be reduced, creating a healthier environment for the community. Further research is expected to deepen understanding of other factors that influence the use of health services among commercial sex workers.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in a single district. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and conduct the study in multiple districts to increase generalizability.

Future Directions

This study highlights the need for further research on the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and the utilization of STI clinics among CSWs. Future studies should investigate the effectiveness of community-based interventions and the impact of health education on STI prevention among CSWs. Additionally, research should focus on developing targeted interventions that address the specific needs of CSWs in Sibolangit District.

Implications for Public Health

The findings of this study have significant implications for public health. Increasing knowledge and attitudes among CSWs can lead to improved STI prevention and control. Health education and counseling should be prioritized to address the specific needs of CSWs in Sibolangit District. Community-based interventions and peer education programs can also play a critical role in increasing awareness and knowledge among CSWs and their customers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Relationship of Knowledge and Attitudes of Commercial Sex Workers with the Utilization of the IMS Clinic and Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Sibolangit District, Deli Serdang Regency

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and the utilization of STI clinics among commercial sex workers (CSWs) in Sibolangit District, Deli Serdang Regency.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it aims to understand the factors that influence the utilization of STI clinics among CSWs, which can inform the development of targeted interventions to improve STI prevention and control.

Q: What is the methodology used in this study?

A: This study employed an analytic approach with a cross-sectional survey method. A total of 210 CSWs were sampled from a population of 230 living in Sibolangit District. The sampling technique used was proportionate random sampling.

Q: What are the key findings of this study?

A: The key findings of this study include:

A significant relationship between CSW knowledge and the utilization of the STI Clinic.
A positive attitude towards condom use is associated with increased utilization of the STI Clinic.
CSW knowledge contributes to the prevention of STIs among them.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: The recommendations of this study include:

Health counseling: Health workers in Sibolangit District should conduct more intensive counseling to CSWs regarding IMS prevention.
Improved IMS Clinical Access: Ensuring that the STI Clinic is easily accessible by CSWs will increase the use of these services.
Collaboration with Customers: Encouraging CSW customers to use condoms during sexual intercourse is an important step in reducing the risk of STI transmission.
Community-Based Interventions: Implementing community-based interventions, such as peer education and outreach programs, can help to increase awareness and knowledge among CSWs and their customers.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include:

The sample size was relatively small.
The study was conducted in a single district.

Q: What are the future directions of this study?

A: The future directions of this study include:

Recruiting a larger sample size and conducting the study in multiple districts to increase generalizability.
Investigating the effectiveness of community-based interventions and the impact of health education on STI prevention among CSWs.

Q: What are the implications of this study for public health?

A: The implications of this study for public health include:

Increasing knowledge and attitudes among CSWs can lead to improved STI prevention and control.
Health education and counseling should be prioritized to address the specific needs of CSWs in Sibolangit District.
Community-based interventions and peer education programs can also play a critical role in increasing awareness and knowledge among CSWs and their customers.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study?

A: The potential applications of this study include:

Developing targeted interventions to improve STI prevention and control among CSWs in Sibolangit District.
Informing the development of health education programs and counseling services for CSWs.
Increasing awareness and knowledge among CSWs and their customers about the importance of STI prevention and control.