Quality of STD care in an urban Zambian setting: the providers' perspective

The aim of this paper is to analyse obstacles to optimal STD care in an urban setting in Zambia. Eight-two health professionals answered a questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions. More than 50% were not satisfied with their working conditions, due to heavy workload, lack of equipment/drugs, poor salary, and lack of continuing education. Negative opinions about STD patients were common. Treatment and preventive activities were considered important but most respondents found patient compliance poor--especially for partner notification. To improve the quality of STD care, training in STD management should be combined with improved working conditions.