The Plight of Healthcare Providers in Managing and Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)/Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs): A Qualitative Study.

Autor:	Madamanchi D; Community Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, IND., Gangurde S; Community Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, IND., Rathod H; Community Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, IND., Ray S; Community Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, IND., Nagar A; Community Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, IND., R A; Community Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, IND., B S A; Community Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, IND., Nair GR; Community Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, IND., Vajjala SM; Community Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, IND., Shivale S; Community Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, IND.
Jazyk:	angličtina
Zdroj:	Cureus [Cureus] 2024 Aug 05; Vol. 16 (8), pp. e66162. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Aug 05 (Print Publication: 2024).
DOI:	10.7759/cureus.66162
Abstrakt:	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. Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Dr D. Y. Patil Medical college, Hospital and Research Centre issued approval IESC/PGS/2022/210. This is to certify that the synopsis (IESC/PGS/2022/210) titled "Prevalence of STI/RTI in Adults Using Syndromic Approach and Treatment Seeking Behaviour - A Mixed Method Study" to be done by Dr Madamanchi Divya under the guidance of Dr Hetal Rathod from Department of MD Community Medicine is ethically approved. The synopsis was approved by the Institutional Ethics Sub-Committee in its meeting held on 28/09/2022. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work. (Copyright © 2024, Madamanchi et al.)
Databáze:	MEDLINE
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