Social issues related to reproductive tract infections.

This article explores the role of social issues in the development of reproductive tract infections (RTIs). RTIs have implications that extend beyond the effects of health. Numerous social factors play a role in determining the risks reactions and prevalence patterns in any population. In this article a detailed discussion on the three social factors influencing community experience with RTIs is presented. These factors include: 1) gender wherein the differences in behavior and the level of power between men and women can have an important impact on the risk of contracting RTIs; 2) migration brings individuals and groups in contact with infections with which they may otherwise not have been exposed to; and 3) misconception unavailability of accurate information often results in many false beliefs. A comprehensive list of social factors--including 1) local legislation 2) cultural values and religious practices 3) economic structure 4) gender relations 5) marriage patterns and 6) commercial sex--are presented to understand the populations experience of RTIs and to identify the most appropriate ways to address them.