SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE: A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE

Abstract

A clinical-psychological study of 400 consecutive patients with sexually transmitted disease (STD) was undertaken at 151 BH and MH Meerut during 1991-95. Majority of the STD patients were aged 34 years or less (90.25%), belonged to other ranks (68%), hailed from rural areas (90.75%), were Hindus (83.50%), were married (72.50%). Uncontrollable sexual urge was the reason for exposure in majority (69.25%) of the cases. Commonest source of STD was commercial sex workers (CSW) (72.80%). At the time of exposure 58.50% patients were at their place of work (on out-pass) and 11.75% had consumed alcohol. Commonest STDs were Chanchroid (30.50%), Syphilis (19.50%) and LGV (10.80%). A delay of more than one month from the onset of symptoms to reporting for treatment was observed in 18.50% patients, while 24.25% patients had taken treatment from unauthorised sources. A past history of STD was given by 8.80% of patients. Majority (57.75%) of the STD patients had inadequate knowledge of STD and only 6.75% had used a condom during exposure. Mean scores of STD patients on Maudsley personality inventory were: Neuroticism-37.98 and extroversion-46.03. The General Health questionnaire identified 19.75% patients as probable psychiatric cases. On clinical evaluation, psychiatric disorders were present in 5.75% of patients.