6895708

pubmed:Citation

6

Sexually transmitted diseases in developing countries are causing concern to those responsible for their control and eradication. To gain a better understanding of the problems involved in a country struggling with development, the economic and psychosocial factors influencing the spread of STD in Ethiopia have been studied. Increased migration and urbanisation and the changing role of women have led to a rise in prostitution. Thus changes in the social structure--particularly in relation to the education and employment of women--and improved medical services are essential for the long-term control of STD.

http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Africa, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Africa South Of The Sahara, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/DIVORCE, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Developing Countries, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Diseases, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Eastern Africa, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Economic Development, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Economic Factors, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Ethiopia, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Infections, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/MIGRATION, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Nuptiality, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Reproductive Tract Infections, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Sexually Transmitted..., http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Social Change, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Social Development, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Socioeconomic Factors, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Urbanization, http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/keyword/Women's Status

http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/journal/0421042

MEDLINE

0007-134X

Print

NLM

357-62

PIP: The high prevalence of all types of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in Ethiopia, estimated in various field studies at 32-70%, led to analysis of the economic and psychosocial factors influencing the spread of these diseases. These factors were examined primarily in relation to the Amhara people, who comprise 30% of the Ethiopian population and live in the central highlands. Increases in migration and urbanization associated with the struggle toward economic development have weakened family and community relationships and encouraged sexual promiscuity, leading to an increase in STD incidence. The disruptive effects of sudden land nationalization caused many farmers to leave the land, forcing their wives to seek employment, which puts them at high risk of contracting the spreading STD. Moreover, there are far more women than men in the roadside and market villages, and STD are spread when men travel through or bring goods to market. Most marriages among the Amhara are temporary, with dissolution obtainable by mutual agreement. This custom provides women with opportunities for numerous transient sexual liaisons. Because of the limited employment opportunities available to women in Ethiopia, many select beer selling and prostitution as a way to earn an income. Thus, changes in the social structure, particularly in relation to the status of women, are contributing to the spread of STD. In general, neither health professionals nor the general population in Ethiopia understand the transmission process of STD, the serious nature of the problem, or how these diseases should be treated. Most treatment is provided by relatively untrained "dressers." Laboratory tests are often not performed, and penicillin is administered indiscriminately. Longterm solution of the STD problem requires Ethiopia to: 1) join other African countries in establishing data on census and disease prevalence to assess the extent of the problem, 2) increase the availability of good health services and the number of trained personnel, 3) adopt an appropriate health education strategy, and 4) change the status of women by increasing their educational and occupational opportunities. As a 1st step, a committee has been appointed to devise a plan to eliminate prostitution.

1981

Journal Article