Treatment seeking behaviours for sexually transmitted infections among young adults in Ekurhuleni East, Gauteng, South Africa: a qualitative study

Abstract

This study explores the treatment-seeking behaviours for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among young adults in Ekurhuleni East, Gauteng, South Africa. Using qualitative methods, data was collected through in-depth interviews with 30 participants aged between 18-39 years who have been diagnosed with STIs. Data analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke's six-step thematic analysis, identifying key barriers to treatment seeking such as stigma, employment-related constraints, financial dependency, and health literacy, as well as facilitators like social support, healthcare access during pregnancy, and personal health concerns. Participants' health-seeking experiences highlighted challenges in accessing health care, behavioural changes post-diagnosis, and varying adherence to prescribed treatments. While some completed treatment as instructed, others discontinued early due to symptom relief. The findings emphasize the need for improved health literacy, stigma reduction, and integrated STI care to enhance timely treatment-seeking and adherence. Strengthening community support and youth-friendly health services could further improve outcomes for STI management in this population.