1.1 Introduction
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. They pose a significant public health challenge globally due to their high prevalence, potential for severe health complications, and the social stigma associated with them (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). The prevention and management of STDs is influenced by a variety of factors, among which the attitudes and behaviors of sexual partners are particularly important. In the context of couples, attitudes toward sexual health, preventive measures, and treatment adherence is central to the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing the incidence and impact of these infections (Adebayo & Ojo, 2021).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) continue to pose serious challenges to public health worldwide, particularly within the context of reproductive health and family planning. According to the World Health Organization (2022), over one million STDs are acquired every day, highlighting the urgent need for effective prevention and management strategies. The dynamics within intimate relationships is central to addressing this challenge, as couples' attitudes toward sexual health is significantly influencing their preventive behaviors and adherence to treatment protocols.
Researchers have reported that positive communication between partners, mutual respect, and shared responsibility for sexual health is associated with higher rates of condom use, regular testing, and early treatment of infections (Adebayo & Ojo, 2021). Similarly, Choi et al. (2021) asserted that couples who openly discuss sexual health issues is more likely to adopt protective behaviors and adhere to family planning recommendations. On the other hand, negative attitudes, misinformation, and stigma regarding STDs is limiting the effectiveness of public health interventions, leaving partners more vulnerable to infection (Okonkwo, 2019).
Studies in different cultural contexts have stated that societal norms, religious beliefs, and gender power imbalances is shaping couples' decision-making processes regarding sexual health. Johnson et al. (2018) affirmed that unequal power dynamics within relationships is often restricting one partner's ability to negotiate safe sexual practices, including condom use and seeking timely medical care. Similarly, Smith and Taylor (2020) contend that cultural taboos around discussing sexual matters is creating barriers to knowledge sharing and collaborative prevention efforts between partners.
Choi et al. (2021) stated that couples' attitudes is a key determinant in the success of these programs, as the adoption of preventive measures such as regular testing, vaccination where applicable, and consistent condom use is heavily dependent on mutual agreement and understanding between partners (Choi et al., 2021). Researchers have also reported that inadequate health education and limited access to confidential reproductive health services is discouraging some couples from seeking timely guidance, thereby increasing their risk of contracting and transmitting Sexually Transmitted Diseases (WHO, 2022).
According to Adebayo and Ojo (2021), interventions that focus on improving communication, addressing misconceptions, and promoting shared responsibility between partners is crucial in reducing the incidence of STDs. On the other hand, the lack of attention to couples' behavioral and attitudinal factors in many public health programs has limited the overall effectiveness of STD prevention and management strategies. This study is set against the backdrop of exploring the impact of couples' attitudes on the prevention and management of sexually transmitted diseases.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that couples' attitudes toward sexual health and preventive measures are critical in shaping the effectiveness of sexually transmitted disease prevention and management strategies. Positive attitudes toward open communication, consistent use of protection, and mutual responsibility for sexual health is directly linked to better outcomes in reducing infection rates (Adebayo & Ojo, 2021). However, misconceptions, stigma, and lack of knowledge about STDs within couples is negatively influencing their willingness to seek testing, adopt preventive behaviors, and adhere to treatment protocols (Okonkwo, 2019).
Myriad studies is showing that couples' beliefs, communication patterns, and attitudes toward sexual responsibility is significantly influencing both prevention and management of STDs, yet these factors remain underexplored in the context of contemporary family planning (Choi et al., 2021).
Furthermore, gender power imbalances is restricting negotiation on condom use or other protective measures, leaving one partner more vulnerable to infection (Johnson et al., 2018). The problem is further complicated by the tendency of some couples to prioritize fertility or family planning goals over sexual health considerations, leading to delayed or inconsistent adoption of preventive measures. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the impact of couples' attitudes on sexually transmitted disease prevention and management within the framework of modern family planning.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to assess how couples' attitudes influence the prevention and management of sexually transmitted diseases in the context of contemporary family planning. The specific objectives of the study are:
- To examine the relationship between couples' communication patterns and adherence to STD prevention measures.
- To assess how cultural, religious, and societal norms influence couples' attitudes toward sexual health.
- To evaluate the effect of gender dynamics on the negotiation of protective sexual practices within relationships.
- To identify barriers that couples face in accessing sexual health services and managing STDs.
- To propose strategies to improve couples' attitudes and enhance STD prevention and management in family planning programs.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the stated objectives, this study seeks to answer the following questions:
- How does couples' communication pattern influence adherence to STD prevention measures?
- In what ways do cultural, religious, and societal norms shape couples' attitudes toward sexual health?
- How do gender dynamics affect negotiation of protective sexual practices within relationships?
- What barriers do couples face in accessing sexual health services and managing STDs?
- What strategies will improve couples' attitudes and enhance the prevention and management of STDs in family planning programs?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H01: There is no significant relationship between couples' attitudes and the prevention and management of sexually transmitted diseases in contemporary family planning.
- H02: Couples' communication patterns have a significant effect on adherence to STD prevention measures.
- H03: Cultural, religious, and societal norms significantly influence couples' attitudes toward sexual health.
- H04: Gender dynamics significantly affect the negotiation of protective sexual practices within relationships.
- H05: Barriers to accessing sexual health services significantly affect the management of STDs among couples.
1.7 Significance of Study
It is believed that at the completion of the study, the findings will inform policy development, guide family planning practitioners, and enhance the design of sexual health interventions that is culturally sensitive and relationship-focused. Also, it will contribute to public awareness by promoting the importance of communication, mutual responsibility, and positive behavioral change among couples.
Furthermore, couples will be encouraged to adopt positive communication and shared responsibility for sexual health. In addition, public health organizations will improve the effectiveness of reproductive health initiatives by integrating findings into education and outreach programs.
Lastly, academic researchers will benefit from the data and insights to guide further studies in sexual health and family planning.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the impact of couples' attitudes on sexually transmitted disease prevention and management in contemporary family planning, using Lagos State, Nigeria as a case study.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Couples' Attitudes: Refers to the beliefs, perceptions, and behavioral tendencies of partners toward sexual health and preventive practices within an intimate relationship (Adebayo & Ojo, 2021).
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Infections primarily transmitted through sexual contact, which include conditions such as HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia (WHO, 2022).
Prevention: Actions and behaviors adopted to reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting STDs, including condom use, vaccination, and regular testing (Okonkwo, 2019).
Management: The process of timely diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and adherence to medical recommendations for controlling STDs within individuals and couples (Choi et al., 2021).
Family Planning: Programs and strategies designed to allow individuals and couples to anticipate and achieve their desired number of children, integrating sexual and reproductive health considerations (Johnson et al., 2018).
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