Assessment of awareness level of sexually transmitted disease/reproductive tract infection (STI/RTI) among people visiting district STI/RTI clinic Chamba, H.P.

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are significant public health concerns with widespread implications for individuals and communities. This research article aims to evaluate the awareness and practices regarding STIs and RTIs among individuals attending an RTI/STI clinic in a tertiary care hospital. It is a hospital-based observational study using a universal sampling technique. The study utilizes one-on-one interviews with patients visiting the district STI/RTI Clinic. Out of 147 study participants, 94% were female, with a mean age of 32 years. Maximum patients were in the age group of 25-35 years. Most (82%) of the participants were aware of the symptom of abnormal vaginal discharge for STIs and RTIs but less aware of the other symptoms. Approximately 78% of the subjects were aware that unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person causes STIs and RTIs. Health-seeking behavior was also good among the participants. In this study, it was found that a lot of patients were unaware of the different modes of transmission and various symptoms of STI/RTI due to which additional actions are required by policy makers as well as family physicians.