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.