Knowledge and Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections by General Physicians of Lahore

Abstract

HIV/AIDS has affected nearly every country on the planet. The effect of this surge has brought all major modes of HIV/AIDS transmission to the attention of public health professionals worldwide. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), which are a major mode of transmission, increases the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. The study's aim was to assess knowledge and management of sexually transmitted infections by general Physicians of Lahore. A cross-sectional survey, of 203 general Physicians in Lahore, was conducted using structured questionnaires. Descriptive analysis was used to compute means and proportions. According to the findings of this study, 23 percent of UDS and 5 percent of GPs appropriately managed GUS syndromes. However, none of the GPs were found to managed VDS. The GPs were more likely to be trained in syndromic management who managed UDS appropriately (adj. OR: 8.0; 95% CI: 3.2-20.1), and UDS was appropriately managed (adj. OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 2.0-3.6). This study reveals a significant proportion of GPs in Karachi managed STIs. This provides a fantastic opportunity to treat and counsel STI patients and their partners. However, general Physicians lack the necessary skills. As a result, GPs must be trained in STI management in order to avert the impending disaster of HIV/AIDS. This study suggested that practicing doctors, particularly those who are young and female, should get prioritized training in STI care. Even though both the public and business sectors are actively working in this direction, additional efforts are still required.