Social characteristics of patients seeking venereal disease treatment in public health centres

Information for this paper was collected through interviews of 87 persons seeking treatment for venereal disease in public health centres in six different towns around Kenya. Data is presented on the subjects' social characteristics and their responses to questions about sexual behaviour and venereal disease. Judging from the sample population, it seems that venereal disease is more prevalant among the young and the single or divorced. The respondents' knowledge about the causes and prevention of venereal disease was found to be very limited. In conclusion, public education concerning these very common infectious diseases is urgently recommended.