Awareness and Opinion regarding Syndromic approach towards STI/RTI management among private practioners in Patiala, north India

Abstract

Introduction: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs) have been a major public health problem in all the developing countries. STDs and their complications are amongst the top five disease categories for which adults seek health care. The health-seeking behaviour among the general population in India shows that for STI/RTI treatment people prefer non-modern medicine private practitioners.

Aims and objectives: 1) To determine awareness and opinion regarding syndromic approach towards STI / RTI case management among the practitioners in private sector. 2) To compare the results with the previous large scale studies and to provide suitable recommendations.

Material and methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in urban Patiala in 2012-13 among 100 randomly selected private practioners by personal visiting and getting responses to a set questionnaire. Group A constitutes allopathic and group B constitutes non allopathic practioners.

Results and observations: 60% in Group A and 38% in Group B admit to be aware of syndromic approach but only 16 in Group A and 4 in Group B had correctly replied about no. of kits available in syndromic approach. 70% in both the groups were of the opinion that it will generate better follow up while 35-40% believe there is a risk of over treatment with this approach. Discussion: Since, practice of syndromic case management of STIs is presumed to be dependent on the practioners individual opinion and attitude hence it is beneficial to know about their opinion. To raise the rates of treatment as per WHO advised strategy of Syndromic management, confidence building and appropriate knowledge to the health care providers is a must.

Conclusion: Apparent need is there for regular educational activities for licensed private practioners as short trainings, CME, seminars on standard treatment protocols.