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Pattern of sexually transmitted diseases in patients presenting at Ayub teaching hospital, Abbottabad
Insights
Sexually transmitted disease (STD) cases have significantly increased in Hazara division since 1995. Gonorrhea is the most common STD, with infection sources varying by gender, indicating a need for updated public health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a global health concern with varying prevalence across cultures.
- The last comprehensive study on STDs in Hazara division was conducted in 1995.
- This study aimed to investigate current STD trends and patterns in the region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the current prevalence and patterns of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Hazara division.
- To update epidemiological data on STDs in the region since the last study in 1995.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted retrospectively.
- Data was collected from 512 patients diagnosed with STDs at Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, between January 2010 and December 2014.
- Case sheets with confirmed diagnoses via laboratory investigations were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Gonorrhea was the most common STD (231 cases), followed by genital warts (60 cases).
- The majority of patients (465/512) were male, with most falling between 19-35 years old.
- Primary sources of infection included prostitutes (70%) and homosexual boys (21%) for males, and husbands for females.
Conclusions:
- There has been a significant increase in STD cases in Hazara division.
- Population growth and potential shifts in cultural values are contributing factors to the rising STD rates.
- Findings highlight the need for updated public health interventions and awareness campaigns.
Background:
Sexually transmitted diseases are present in all societies across the globe. Different cultures and societies show a different spectrum of these diseases. The last study conducted in Hazara division was back in 1995. We have conducted this study to see the recent trends and patterns of sexually transmitted diseases in the region.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad and included patients over a five year period from January 2010 till December 2014. Case sheets of 512 presenting with sexually transmitted diseases whose diagnosis was confirmed by related lab investigation were analysed retrospectively. Patients of all ages and both sexes were included.
Results:
Out of these 512 patients only 47 were females and 465 were males. The age varied from 15-66 years. Gonorrhoea was the commonest disease with 231 cases. Genital warts were diagnosed in 60 cases. Non- gonococcal urethritis was seen in 57 patients. Genital Molluscum contagiosum was seen in 45 patients. Syphillis was diagnosed in 41 patients. Thirty-one cases of herpes genitalis, 25 cases of Chancroid, 13 cases of Lymphogranuloma venereum, were also seen. Five patients were found positive for HIV. Overwhelming majority of the patients were between the age of 19-35 years. 61% of the patients were married. The source of infection in male patients was mainly prostitutes (70%) but also included homosexual boys (21 %), married women (7.5%) and eunuchs (1.5%). The main source of infection in females was from husbands.
Conclusion:
The number of STD patients presenting in the region has increased significantly. The main factor is obviously the rise in population but also signifies the change in cultural and moral values.