Status of Syndromic Management of Clients and their Partners at STI Clinic in a Suburban Area of Mumbai, India

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are major public health problem of economically productive age group. Worldwide more cases of STI are seen among reproductive age group i.e., 15 to 49 years. World Health Organization estimates 340 million curable STIs each year. In India, 6% to 15% population is infected with one or more STIs. Hence, present study was conducted at STI clinic in suburban area. The objectives were to assess the socio-demographic factors, syndromes suffered and factors influencing treatment outcome among clients attending STI OPD. Methodology: 274 clients participated in the longitudinal study over a period of 6 months. Results: 232 female clients (84.7%) proved female preponderance at STI clinic. Around 194 cases (70.8%) belonged to the age group 25 to 44 years which is economically productive age group. Married females (92.24%) and unmarried males (59.5%) presented with STI syndromes. Among males, urethral discharge (66.67%) and among females, vaginal discharge (82.76%) were the predominating symptoms. The clients studied up to 10th standard, constituted 48.54% of the study sample. 53.28% of the clients belonged to upper lower socio-economic status. About 211 (90.9%) women were housewives. About 31 (73.8%) males were semi-skilled and skilled laborers. Conclusion: This study highlighted the vulnerability of females to STIs. The reproductive and economically productive age group forms major part of the affected population. The gap between the knowledge and application of correct and consistent use of condom needs to be reduced. Special emphasis on partner notification and their management will have an impact on prevention of STIs.