Knowledge about Transmission Dynamics of Sexually Transmitted Infections.

ABSTRACT

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) disproportionately affect women who also bear much more severe morbidity, get severe consequences if not treated and even transmit disease to offsprings during pregnancy. Improving awareness and knowledge of STIs is a key for prevention but majority females don’t have this information making them more susceptible to STIs and reinfections. Objectives: To determine the awareness and level of knowledge about transmission dynamics of STI among the female patients attending Gynecology out-patient department and to assess the various factors related with it. Methodology: Cross-sectional study was conducted among female patients presenting to Gynecology OPD of a tertiary hospital in Delhi with signs and symptoms suggestive of STIs. Exit interview of 100 patients was done by using a pretested structured questionnaire. Knowledge level was graded into Poor knowledge (0-8) and Good knowledge (9-16) on a 16-point score card. Chi square was applied. Results: Only 62 (62%) patients had heard about STIs. The fact that STIs can be prevented by abstinence, being faithful and condoms was known to 25 (25%), 35 (35%) and 28 (28%) patients respectively. Only 21 (21%) patients had good knowledge, significantly more among literates and working females. Reinfection was reported by 9 (9%) patients and it was significantly more in migrants. Conclusion Knowledge of respondents about STIs is very low, particularly among illiterates and housewives. There is a potential to control STIs by making females aware of the uses of condom. Reinfection was significantly more in migrants, so there is a need to focus IEC services to migrants.