Men's behaviour contributes to women's health: Lack of knowledge and poor personal hygiene and sexual practices of men contribute to cervical cancer - Tapa blanda

The objective of the study was to determine whether the level of knowledge regarding cervical cancer among men living in Ga-Rankuwa and their sexual and hygiene practices contributed to the risk of women developing cervical cancer.The data-gathering method was self report using a structured interview format. Field workers were trained and supervised to gather the data. The statistical analysis was done with Chi-square test of independence and the Spearman rho; both tests are distribution free and therefore applicable to a convenient sample.The median age group was the 20-29 year age group (38.4%). The proportion of the age group who initiated sexual relationship when younger than 15 years of age increased as the age group became younger. Age was associated with sexual debut (א2=175.72; p=0.000). Age was significantly associated with the number of sexual partners (א2=114.03; p=0.000). The results of the study revealed that men's sexual and hygiene practices play a role in women's reproductive health.

Thuledi Makua is the university professional lecturer. He has been a lecturer at SG Lourens Nursing College, University of Limpopo and currently University of South Africa. He obtained the following qualifications:M. Tech: Nursing (Cum Laude);B. Tech: PHC; Diploma: Nursing Education;Advanced University Diploma: Community Nursing; Diploma: PHC.