SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STI) TRENDS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTH-INDIA: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) are a global health issue. There can be serious repercussions apart from the immediate effect of the infection including increased risk of acquisition of Human Immunodeciency Virus (HIV) infection especially with ulcerative STIS. A retrospective study was conducted amongst the patients who attended STI (Suraksha) clinic at Government medical college ,Amritsar between June 2014 to May 2020. STIs have a tremendous impact on public health. They are responsible for a signicant proportion of infertility in both the sex, morbidity, economic loss to the family, and increased susceptibility to HIV infection. STIs are a major contributor to fetal deaths, abortions, and the delivery of low birth weight babies. It is of great signicance to study their incidence periodically and region wise, and understand the changing trends in order to plan the control strategies. The present study aimed at studying the clinical prole of STIs in this part of the country over 6 years. Since many patients refrain from seeking medical advice, this study was restricted to the patients attending the hospital.