Prevalence Of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Among Most At Risk Populations (MARPS) Enrolled In Thika Comprehensive Care Centre (CCC)

Abstract

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are prevalent among Key Populations. Those who are HIV positive and attend the CCCs are offered a comprehensive care package on prevention referred to as Prevention with Positives (PWP). One of the major component of the package is screening and treatment for STIs, condom demonstration and distribution for purposes of prevention. The primary objective is to prevent reinfection, reduce STI morbidity and thus improve overall care outcomes. A secondary objective is to interrupt transmission cycle of HIV and other STIs Purpose: To document the prevalence of STI among the MARPs accessing care in our DICE. This will provide us with information on the success of our prevention interventions, and help estimate effectiveness of condoms distributed by the program Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study was done. We examined the clinical records of DICE (CCC) clients between the period January -December 2012. The data was aggregated according to the MARP typology i.e Female Sex workers, Men who have sex with men and truckers. The STIs were categorized using the syndromic guidelines by the MOH. Results: A total of 80 clinical records were reviewed. 27.5%(22) of clients were diagnosed and treated for STIs. Vaginal Discharge syndrome accounted for the majority of the cases (16) representing 72.7%. Genital ulcers and lower abdominal pain accounted for 22.7% and 4.5% of the cases respectively. Conclusion: STIs continue to cause significant morbidity among key populations clients seen in our DICE. There is need to intensify prevention interventions including health education, and promotion of consistent and correct condom use. It also points to the need for more in depth enquiry in to the patterns of condom use and address any barriers identified.