An Assessment of the Prevalence, Impacts, and Remedial Strategies for Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Married Couples in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence, impacts, and remedial strategies for managing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among married couples in Port Harcourt Metropolis. It aimed to assess the extent of STDs in this population, evaluate the social, psychological, and economic consequences, and examine the effectiveness of current public health interventions. The study used a qualitative approach, conducting interviews with 50 health workers at Rivers University Teaching Hospital. The findings revealed a high prevalence of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV, with significant social impacts such as marital strain, emotional withdrawal, and stigma. Psychologically, couples faced anxiety, guilt, and fear of long-term health effects, while economically, the cost of treatment placed a heavy burden on families, particularly those in lower- income brackets. The study concluded that while there are some public health interventions, they are insufficient due to cultural stigma, limited awareness...

Keywords

References