Madamanchi Divya, Gangurde Shweta, Rathod Hetal, Ray Suman, Nagar Akash, R Akhil, B S Akhila, Nair Gayatri R, Vajjala Sai Mahesh, Shivale Shubham
Community Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, IND.
Cureus. 2024 Aug 5;16(8):e66162. doi: 10.7759/cureus.66162. eCollection 2024 Aug.
Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reproductive tract infections (RTIs) pose significant public health challenges globally, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to investigate the challenges faced by healthcare providers in managing and preventing STIs/RTIs in India. Materials and methods In-depth interviews were conducted with eight healthcare providers, including counselors, gynecologists, and dermatologists, working in government settings. A semi-structured interview guide was used to explore challenges related to patient care and healthcare system resources. Results The study revealed significant gaps in patient knowledge and awareness about STIs/RTIs, with misconceptions affecting treatment-seeking behavior. Social stigma and cultural barriers were identified as major obstacles to open communication and timely care. Gender-specific challenges in healthcare-seeking behavior and partner notification were noted. Healthcare providers reported inconsistent availability of treatment kits and medications, as well as challenges in ensuring patient compliance. The need for improved healthcare infrastructure, including specialized clinics and better interdepartmental coordination, was highlighted. Conclusion Addressing STI/RTI management challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including enhancing public awareness, ensuring consistent medication supply, establishing specialized clinics, and improving interdepartmental coordination. These findings provide valuable insights for developing targeted interventions to improve STI/RTI management and prevention in resource-limited settings.
背景 性传播感染（STIs）和生殖道感染（RTIs）在全球范围内构成了重大的公共卫生挑战，尤其是在资源有限的环境中。本研究旨在调查印度医疗服务提供者在管理和预防性传播感染/生殖道感染方面所面临的挑战。材料与方法 对八名在政府机构工作的医疗服务提供者进行了深入访谈，其中包括咨询师、妇科医生和皮肤科医生。使用半结构化访谈指南来探讨与患者护理和医疗系统资源相关的挑战。结果 研究发现患者在性传播感染/生殖道感染的知识和意识方面存在重大差距，误解影响了寻求治疗的行为。社会耻辱感和文化障碍被确定为开放沟通和及时护理的主要障碍。注意到在寻求医疗行为和性伴侣通知方面存在针对性别的挑战。医疗服务提供者报告称治疗试剂盒和药物的供应不一致，以及确保患者依从性方面存在挑战。强调了改善医疗基础设施的必要性，包括专科医院和更好的部门间协调。结论 应对性传播感染/生殖道感染管理挑战需要采取多方面的方法，包括提高公众意识、确保药物供应一致、建立专科医院以及改善部门间协调。这些发现为制定有针对性的干预措施提供了宝贵的见解，以改善资源有限环境中的性传播感染/生殖道感染管理和预防。
