Pattern of sexually transmitted infections in a district hospital from Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a public health problem, which increase the HIV transmission and are a burden to the individual, his family and community. The prevalence of STIs varies widely across different regions in our country. There is immense need to study the pattern of STIs in various regions for proper planning and implementation of control strategies. The study was conducted with the objective to assess the pattern of STIs and their prevalence in a District hospital of Himachal Pradesh. Methods: A retrospective hospital based study was carried out from clinical records of the STI clinic over a period of one year (January 2016 to December, 2016). Detailed history, demographical data and clinical features were recorded, and STIs were categorized into various syndromes as depicted by National AIDS Control Organization. The data collected was analyzed statistically, and compared with other studies from across the country. Results: Cervical/vaginal discharge (80.4%) was the commonest STI followed by balanoposthitis (33.3%), lower abdominal pain syndrome (LAP) (17.1%), genital scabies (4.2%), herpes genitalis (3.7%), uretheral discharge (1.9%), genital warts (0.98%), chancroid (0.61%), molluscum contagiosum (0.6%), syphilis (0.12%) and inguinal bubo (0.12%). Balanoposthitis was the commonest STI in males, followed by genital scabies, herpes genitalis, genital warts, chancroid and genital molluscum, uretheral discharge and syphilis. In females, cervical/vaginal discharge was the most frequently reported STI followed by LAP, genital herpes, genital scabies, genital warts, chancroid, inguinal bubo and molluscum contagiosum. Conclusions: The increase prevalence of cervical/vaginal discharge was due to increased referral from Gynaecology OPDs. Balanoposthitis was quite commonly reported in males. The increase in the viral STIs has been seen, which is consistent with other studies from different regions.

Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in a tertiary care centre of North India

“…14 In a study done in Himachal Pradesh, genital scabies is reported only on 4.2% of patients. 11 The second most common STI in our study was candidal balanoposthitis (16.4%) in males followed by candidal vaginal discharge (12.5%) in females. It is similar to study done by Goel et al 15 It shows increasing trends of fungal infections.…”

“…10 Also, a study done in Himachal Pradesh on pattern of STI's in a district hospital reported 25-44 to be the most common age group. 11 This indicates that STI's are higher in sexually active age group and thus their education can lead to tremendous decrease in incidence as well as prevalence of STI's.…”

Emerging trends in sexually transmitted diseases in a tertiary care center in Davangere, Karnataka

“…[ 14 ] and Sharma et al . [ 15 ] noting greater (20% and 33.33%, respectively). VC was seen in 11.89% of patients which was greater than that reported in other studies.…”

“…[ 6 7 9 11 12 14 15 ] Anogenital warts were the next common viral STD at 13.52% compared to the previous reports, with the prevalence ranging from 0.98% to 17.5%. [ 6 7 9 11 12 14 15 ] The prevalence of genital MC was on the higher side at 9.28%, with earlier studies reporting a much lesser prevalence. [ 6 7 12 14 15 ]…”

“…[ 6 7 9 11 12 14 15 ] The prevalence of genital MC was on the higher side at 9.28%, with earlier studies reporting a much lesser prevalence. [ 6 7 12 14 15 ]…”