Statistical Modelling of Barriers to Treatment-Seeking Behaviour Among Patients with Sexually Transmitted Infections

Abstract Introduction Treatment seeking behaviour refers to the actions and decisions taken by individuals when they perceive themselves to have a health problem, in order to find an appropriate remedy or treatment. The majority of STIs are treatable, but several social and behavioral variables make it difficult to seek medical attention in a timely manner, increasing the burden of untreated infections. Objective This study aimed to assess the treatment-seeking behaviour using statistical modelling among patients with sexually transmitted infections. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was employed to collect data from 194 STIs patients from March 2025 to October 2025, using a face-to-face interview. Data were collected using a pretested structured interviewer- administered questionnaire. A systematic sampling method was used to select study participants. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with treatment seeking behaviour Results Half of the respondent (51.1%) reported that they had multiple sexual partners and more than half of the respondents (55.9%) were engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse. The proportion of delayed health care seeking for STI was 54.1% and more than half (54.6%) of the respondents who were referred for treatment of STIs. Predominant reasons reported for delay of health care seeking by respondents were: fear of stigmatization and disclosure (76.3%) followed by much waiting time in the facility (69.1%) and feeling of shame (64.4%). Illiteracy was strongly associated with delayed treatment (AOR = 19.52, 95% CI: 2.52-150.54). Poor awareness and knowledge of STIs were also strongly associated with delayed treatment (AOR = 7.89, 95% CI: 2.95–21.13). Conclusions This study reported a high proportion of delayed health care seeking and there were several barriers to accessing STI services, they were related to both structural and individual factors. This may challenge the prevention and control effort and alarms the potential threat to the spread of STI/HIV in the region. Provision of intensive health education is crucial to improve awareness and to avoid risk behaviours and negative perceptions.