| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2012 | Volume
: 33
| Issue : 1 | Page : 20-24 |
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Initial assessment of scaled-up sexually transmitted infection intervention in Himachal Pradesh under National AIDS Control Program - III
Sunite A Ganju1, NL Sharma2
1 Department of Microbiology, IGMC Shimla, Basic Services Division, Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, Himachal Pradesh, India
2 Dermatology, Dr RPG Medical College, Tanda, Member State Resource STI Team, Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, Himachal Pradesh, India
Correspondence Address:
Sunite A Ganju
Department of Microbiology, House No. 214/B, Sector 3, New Shimla, Shimla - 171 009, Himachal Pradesh
India
DOI: 10.4103/0253-7184.93809 PMID: 22529449
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Objectives : To assess the impact of scaled-up sexually transmitted infection (STI) intervention under National AIDS Control Program (NACP) III and to examine the profile of STI/RTI clinic (now named Suraksha Clinic) attendees. Materials and Methods : A retrospective study by data analysis was done from April 2008 to March 2010. The scaled-up intervention comprised of (i) adopting enhanced syndromic approach, (ii) capacity building by appointing counselors and trainings of staff, (iii) strengthening STI/RTI clinics by provision of logistics and privacy by civil works, and (iv) supervisory support. The outcome which directly influenced service delivery was evaluated within this framework. Results : Sixteen "Suraksha Clinics" have been remodeled, equipped with supplies and laboratory set up. A total of 64,554 clinic visits were reported of which 27,317 [42%] attended the clinics for index STI/RTI complaint(s). Majority of the clients (44%) were young, 25-44 years old. Male to female ratio was 1:1.8. In females, the commonest complaint was lower abdominal pain (25%) and vaginal discharge (33%), the commonest syndrome. Amongst laboratory-confirmed STIs, 305 (1.4%) attendees were positive for trichomoniasis, while bacterial vaginosis was corroborated in 230 (1.07%) patients with clue cells. Amongst antenatal women, 251 were reactive for syphilis (≥1:8 dilutions). 10,579 partners of index STI/RTI patients were notified and partner management was attained to the level of 99%. Conclusion : Preliminary results show increased utilization of STI clinical services, though laboratory services need further strengthening. Continued supportive supervision and capacity building will enable skill development and quality monitoring. |
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