Rapid Assessment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Development of A Survey Methodology

ABSTRACT

A multicentre study was conducted in Senegal and Uganda to assess potential STD indicators to develop a standardised survey methodology would be useful to define the magnitude of the STD problem in the district level; to monitor trends in STD prevalence at time intervals; and to indicate the potential for HIV spread. Twelve potential indicators which included current symptoms; physical finding and simple laboratory tests were studied among three different populations women attending atenatal clinic; were identified with sensitivity over 70. These are physical finding of vaginal discharge; urine leucocyte esterase test; and the RPR teardrop card test. Among these only one; the RPR teardrop card test; had a high specificity (96as opposed to specifity less than 50for physicval finding of vaginal discharge and the urine leucocyte esterase test). Based on the results of this study; these three indicators will be further studied to evaluate their usefulness in a field survey methodology among women attending antenatal clinics