The Myth of Toilet Disease: an Impediment to the Control of Sexually Transmitted Infection among Young Females

Abstract

Sexually transmitted disease has been on the increase globally with prevalence approaching epidemic proportion
1,2 especially in young adults. Toilet disease is a vague term used for similar symptoms to STI perceived to be from dirty
3
toilet seat use. The Global strategy of WHO for STI control includes methods to promote healthy sexual behaviour,
protective barrier methods, effective and accessible care for STIs, and emphasis on STI control programmes. Despite
STI being linked with sexual behaviour, these young people have managed to separate both by devising a term 'Toilet
disease' devoid of the stigma associated with sexual activity and disease.
A self-administered pre-seminar questionnaire was distributed out to a group of young females attending a talk on
'Toilet Disease' to document their perception of the term, its perceived symptoms and prevention. Ninety one percent
(91%) of the 99 respondents, ages 16 to 30 years believed vaginal infection is from dirty public toilet use.
The misconception and confusion of Toilet disease and STI is a cause for concern in young people. There is need to
dissociate STI from stigma as well as step up aggressive heath education campaign to correct the wrong perception
and allow for health seeking behaviour and prevention of STI.
Keywords: Toilet disease, vaginal discharge, STI