Awareness about Sexually Transmitted Infections and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection among Patients with Genital Symptoms

Bp Paudyal,Db Pokhrel,Madhu Gyawalee

doi:10.3126/njdvl.v15i1.18048

Abstract

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major cause of public health problem. In developing countries, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is spreading rapidly, with sexually transmitted infections acting as a cofactor for the spread of HIV. Yet adequate awareness regarding these infections is lacking.Objective: To explore the knowledge and awareness about STIs and HIV infection in patients visiting Dermatology and Venereology Clinic of Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) with genital symptoms.Material and Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out in the department of dermato-venereology, TUTH for a period of one year. Total of 130 consecutive cases were enrolled. After taking consent and assuring confidentiality they were interviewed regarding awareness of STIs and HIV/AIDS.Results: Out of 130 cases, 95% and 98.5% had heard of an STI and HIV/AIDS respectively. Only 43.8% could mention discharge from genitalia as a symptom of STI whereas 38.5% could mention none. Most (91.5%) knew about the sexual mode of transmission of both STIs and HIV. None could mention about mother to child transmission of an STI, whereas 15% knew that an infected mother can transmit HIV to her baby. About 58% were aware that condoms could protect them from acquiring an STI, 63% perceived this as best method of prevention from HIV. When only 26% knew that being faithful to one partner is the best mode of prevention from an STI, 45% mentioned avoiding contact with multiple partners could prevent them from HIV transmission.Conclusions: Awareness programme on STIs as a whole could improve knowledge and awareness on HIV and STIs and hence prevent both.

Highlights

Transmitted infections (STIs) are a major cause of public health problem
Out of 130 cases, 95% and 98.5% had heard of an STI and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS respectively
None could mention about mother to child transmission of an STI, whereas 15% knew that an infected mother can transmit HIV to her baby

Summary

Introduction

Transmitted infections (STIs) are a major cause of public health problem. Risky behaviors (early ini a on of sex, premarital sex, bisexual orienta on and mul ple sexual partners) are prevalent due to lack of awareness about STI/ HIV, though government and various organiza ons are pu ng their effort to raise awareness about these infec ons. While most of the high school students knew that it is spread by unprotected sexual intercourse and can be prevented by safe sexual prac ce[4], majority of the university students felt that condom can protect them from HIV instead of limi ng sex to single partner and most of them were unaware regarding the mode of transmission of HIV5. In a similar Indian study, one third of the respondents felt HIV/AIDS could be cured[6], likewise one third of Bangladeshi men did not know how to avoid AIDS and very less people knew that HIV can be transmi ed through infected blood and syringes[7]

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Results

Conclusion