Risk factors for Sexually Transmitted Diseases – A hospital based Case–Control Study

Madala P; Venkatesh S; Neeladri R; Ganganna P; Karad AB

Volume : VII, Issue : IX, September - 2017

Risk factors for Sexually Transmitted Diseases – A hospital based Case–Control Study

Madala P, Venkatesh S, Neeladri R, Ganganna P, Karad Ab

Abstract :

Background: Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) continue to present as a major health, social and economic problem in the developed and developing world with an annual estimated 340 million new cases of curable STD. The presence of an untreated STD can increase the risk of both acquisition and transmission of HIV by a factor of upto 10. The Prevalence rate of HIV in STD Clinics in the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh in India is 22.8, out of which Hyderabad and Secunderabad have the highest in the state. Hence, this study was carried out to find out the possible risk factors responsible for the development of STDs. Methodology: Case–control study was conducted during August – December, 2007 with the cases being the laboratory/clinically confirmed cases of STD clinic Out Patient Department (OPD) of Gandhi Hospital, Secunderabad, Telangana State and the controls being patients attending Dermatology OPD of the same hospital. Analysis was done using Epi–info software and by applying appropriate tests of significance. Results: The risk factors for STD among cases were found to be previous sex with non–regular partners; having sex under the influence of alcohol; current sexual partner having STD; Having more than 3 partners; Non–usage of condoms every time and paid sex. Conclusion: Efforts should be made to decrease the specific risk factors which are responsible for contracting STDs by imparting Behaviour change Communication for safe sex