RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The incidence rates of Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) in Saskatoon Health Region are approximately double the national average. A descriptive study was designed to try to determine why. METHODS: The objectives of the study were: (1) to determine whether or not the introduction of a new detection method that is less invasive and more sensitive led to more tests being ordered and a higher percentage of positive cases; (2) to determine what percentage of physicians and STI clinic nurses notified Public Health within 72 hours of suspected Ct or GC; (3) to determine what percentage of physicians and STI clinic nurses listed sexual contact information; and (4) to compare recurrence rates between patients treated by physicians and STI clinic nurses. RESULTS: The number of tests ordered for Ct and GC increased substantially from 10,425 in 1998 to 28,885 in 2003, while the percentage of positive cases decreased from 7.2% to 3.6%. Only 1.3% of physicians and 9.1% of STI clinic nurses notified Public Health within 72 hours of a suspected case. 51.2% of physicians listed sexual contact information in comparison to 85.4% of STI clinic nurses. Recurrence rates of Ct or GC within one year of initial treatment were 26% lower for patients treated by STI clinic nurses (5.7%) than for physicians (7.2%). CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for additional education for health care providers in the management of sexually transmitted infections in Saskatoon Health Region.
