Epidemiology of sexually transmitted diseases in the Baltic countries

According to the UN definition the Baltic countries belong to the group of countries whose economy is in transition. This transition period has created changes in life-style, priorities and living standards. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence, distribution and control of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the Baltic countries and to draw some comparisons with data from Scandinavia. We have compared the official statistical data concerning STDs from 1991-94 in all three Baltic countries and have attempted to obtain information about the way these reports are collected. We have come to the following conclusions: -the incidence rate of STD in the Baltic countries is increasing, -the average age of patients suffering from STDs is decreasing, -the specificity of the diagnostic methods used for STDs (especially Chlamydia trachomatis) needs to be improved. Facilities for diagnosing HSV and HPV should be made available.