Title: Knowledge Regarding STI RTI Services among Interns in Government Vellore Medical College March to June 2017
Authors: Dharmambal C., Somasundaram A., Balachander J.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i11.199
Abstract
Introduction: Sexually Transmitted Infection and Reproductive Tract Infection (STIs/RTIs) is one of the important public health problems in India. NFHS 3 survey found 11% of women and 5% of men in 15-49 years had STI/RTIs. Untreated STI/RTI infections result in complications such as infertility, reproductive morbidity etc. Prevention and management of STIs is the responsibility of medical personnel. We conducted a study to describe the knowledge on STI/RTI control among interns.
Methods: We conducted a cross sectional descriptive study among 135 medical interns in Government Vellore Medical College between March 2017 and June 2017 with closed ended questionnaire. The data was compiled and analysed using open epi software.
Results: All the participants were aware of STIs and RTI. While 89% of the participants were able to mention the organisms causing STI only 74% could tell the organisms causing RTI. Less than 50% of the participants had knowledge on the importance of syndromic approach and the standardized prepackaged drug kits. Knowledge on partner treatment was less than 50%. There was lack of knowledge on syndromic management.
Conclusion: Medical interns need training in all the programmatic guidelines on STI before they come out of the medical Institutions. The doctors need to be mandatorily posted in STD department of the medical colleges and hands on training to be imparted to improve the quality of services provided by them.
