SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE: A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE.

Area of Science:

• Clinical Psychology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) pose a significant public health challenge.
• Understanding the demographic, behavioral, and psychological factors associated with STDs is crucial for effective prevention and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical and psychological profile of patients diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
• To identify risk factors, common STDs, and patient behaviors related to STD acquisition and treatment seeking.

Main Methods:

• A clinical-psychological study of 400 consecutive patients with sexually transmitted disease (STD) was conducted.
• Data collected included demographics, risk behaviors, STD types, treatment seeking delays, knowledge of STDs, condom use, personality traits (Maudsley Personality Inventory), and psychiatric assessment (General Health Questionnaire).

Main Results:

• The majority of STD patients were young (≤34 years), rural, married, and contracted infections from commercial sex workers (CSWs).
• Common STDs included Chancroid, Syphilis, and Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV).
• Significant findings included poor STD knowledge (57.75%), low condom usage (6.75%), delays in seeking treatment, and a notable prevalence of probable psychiatric cases (19.75%) and diagnosed psychiatric disorders (5.75%).

Conclusions:

• Young, rural, married populations are at high risk for STDs, often linked to commercial sex work and inadequate preventive measures.
• Poor knowledge about STDs and associated psychological distress necessitate targeted health education and mental health interventions.
• The high incidence of psychiatric morbidity among STD patients underscores the importance of integrated care approaches.