Comparison of clinical profile and demography of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among patients attending an STI clinic in the pre-coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), COVID-19, and post-COVID-19 era: A retrospective data analysis

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to compare between the clinical profile and demography of patients with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) who attended the STI clinic of our tertiary care institution during comparable timelines in pre-coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) (2018 June–2019 May) and COVID-19 (2020 June–2021 May) periods and between pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 (2022 June–2023 May) periods. Materials and Methods: Using a pre-set pro forma, we collected data on the demography and clinical profile of patients with STIs who attended our STI clinic during comparable timelines during pre-COVID-19, COVID-19, and post-COVID-19 periods. Results: In comparison to the pre-COVID-19 period, a significant decline and a significant rise were noted in the total number of STI cases during the COVID-19 period and post-COVID-19 period, respectively. Compared to the pre-COVID-19 period, post-COVID-19 period witnessed an increase in the actual number of all STIs, except condylomata acuminata. Limitations: Data from a single center and retrospective design were the major limitations. Conclusion: We observed a post-COVID-19 surge in the number of STIs. The pattern of STIs in the post-pandemic era assumes importance in planning future strategies.