Publication:

To study prevalence and treatment efficacy of sexually transmitted diseases in patients attending gynaecology outpatient department of tertiary care hospital

Background Sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a significant public health problem in developing countries, including India. STI and its complications cause a huge health and economic burden over our country. STIs also enhance the transmission of HIV. To screen, prevent and treat this disease WHO has recommended “syndromic approach”. This study was conducted to estimate the local burden of this serious disease with the aim to determine its prevalence and efficacy of syndromic management measured as symptomatic improvement.

Methods A cross sectional study was carried out for a period of three years from April 2013 to March 2016. All the patients attending gynecology OPD were screened for the presence of an STI and HIV. A detailed history and clinical examination was conducted after informed consent, maintaining privacy and confidentiality. Treatment was given in the form of syndromic management; counseling and partner management and patients were followed up after 7 to 14 days. Improvement in symptoms was noted as “relieved”.

Results Proportion of STI patients was found to be 32.21%. The most common STI diagnosed was VCD (56.20%), followed by LAP (43.3%). Most commonly affected age group was 25 to 44 years. Proportion of HIV positive among all STI patients was 0.35% and that of serological syphilis was 0.23%. The overall efficacy of treatment was 67.38%. 17.54% patients were not relieved and 15.07% did not come for follow up. The STI was found to be more prevalent in condom non users and in those having more number of child birth and abortions.

Conclusions With high incidence of STI, the syndromic approach proves to be an important tool in its screening and early treatment. Most of STIs are preventable and curable. Hence educating people, promoting condom use and wide and consistent implementation of screening methods may lead to reduction in the disease burden.