Health-Seeking Behaviour and its Challenges for Reproductive Tract Infections Among Married Women of Reproductive Age Group Residing at Urban Slums of Agra: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Reproductive tract infections continue to be a major public health issue, especially for urban low-income women of reproductive age. RTI burden is increased by delayed diagnosis and treatment due to poor health-seeking behaviour and other socioeconomic constraints. This study looks at the health-seeking habits and difficulties of married, reproductive-age women living in Agra's urban slums. Objective: 1. To assess the health seeking behaviour for reproductive tract infections among married women of urban slum of Agra. 2. To explore the challenges they faced for the treatment of reproductive tract infections Method: A cross-sectional study among 500 married women in Agra's urban slums used the WHO syndromic approach for RTI/STI diagnosis. Multistage random sampling selected one ward and two slums. Interviews followed a random starting direction and the left hand rule until the sample size was met. Results: The study found that 57.92% of females with RTI/STI symptoms sought treatment, while 42.07% did not, with barriers including perceived lack of importance, financial constraints, embarrassment, lack of family support, and time limitations. Conclusion: In Agra's urban slums, just over half of women sought treatment for RTI/STI symptoms, primarily at government facilities, while significant barriers prevented others. Perceived lack of seriousness, financial constraints, and embarrassment were key deterrents. A major reason for stopping the treatment was absence of symptoms. Interventions are needed to increase awareness, improve access, address financial issues and reduce stigma.