Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections at a Tertiary Care Center in Kathmandu

Abstract

Introduction: Sexually Transmitted Infections are major public health problem. Lack of sexual and reproductive education, social taboo and peer pressure leads to increased incidence of the disease. Despite all efforts it has been shown that cases of STIs are on the rise. Young people get these diseases because of their risky behaviors and low use of preventive measures. This study tried to find out the prevalence of disease, its causes, number of partners and use of condoms.

Methods: It is a retrospective observational cross sectional study. Patients with sexually transmitted infections(STI) and candidial genital infections getting treatment between January 2018 to December 2020 were included. Gender, age, types of infections, symptoms and sexual history were recorded. Ethical clearance was taken from Institution Review Committee (Ref.No.245). Statistical analysis was expressed in frequency and percentage. Chi square test was applied to determine the significance of variables.

Results: Most common infection seen in patients was urethral discharge 31.1% followed by anogenital wart 18% and 14.2% patients had genital ulcer. About 30.1% of patients had multiple partners. Candidial infections in genital area was diagnosed in (35.5%).Condoms was more frequently used by men.

Conclusions: Urethral discharge and candidial infections were most common. The prevalence of infection in males were higher and 30 to 39 years of age group was most affected. Having multiple sex partners and not using condoms was major cause of transmission. More emphasis has to be laid upon sexual and reproductive health education.