WOMEN’S KNOWLEDGE AND SELF-CARE PRACTICES IN THE PREVENTION OF REPRODUCTIVE TRACT INFECTIONS (RTIS): IMPLICATIONS FOR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) have continued to present a significant public health problem, especially in developing countries, due to their impact on reproductive and general wellbeing of women. This literature review highlights the importance of women's knowledge about RTIs and self-preventive measures against them, specifically chlamydia, gonorrhoea, bacterial vaginosis, and candidiasis. The theoretical framework underpinning this study was Pender's Health Promotion Model (1982). The model states that health promotion is influenced by an individual's perception, knowledge, and beliefs towards healthy lifestyle. A narrative literature review design was used where selected peer-reviewed studies and articles on RTIs were discussed. It was established that women were generally aware about RTIs, but they lacked adequate knowledge about symptoms, causes, preventive and treatment measures, especially rural women. Further, the review pointed out that the self-care behavioururs of women have a significant bearing on the prevention and incidence of RTIs. Healthy behaviours, which include proper menstrual hygiene, hygienic vaginal care, hydration, and healthy eating habits, are associated with a low incidence of RTIs while unhealthy behaviours, such as vaginal douching, using unhygienic materials during menstruation, have been linked to high vulnerability to RTIs. Further, some of the factors found to act as barriers to healthcare seeking behaviour of women included poverty, shame and embarrassment, lack of information about RTIs, lack of access to healthcare facilities, and hostility from healthcare workers. It was recommended that hhealth education specialists, community health workers, and media groups should conduct reproductive health education programmes within schools, markets, churches, and other places within the community, in order to create awareness among women regarding RTI prevention and