Clinical profile of sexually transmitted infections in males attending a tertiary care center: A 5-year retrospective study.

Abstract

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health problem worldwide, particularly in resource-limited countries. In India, while women are generally more vulnerable to STIs, male attendance in STI clinics is higher. The pattern of STIs varies regionally based on many factors. Being updated with the current trends helps in better policymaking.

Aims and objectives: To understand the clinical profile of STIs in males attending a tertiary care center in Karnataka over a period of 5 years.

Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted by analyzing the clinical records of males attending the STI clinics of Chigateri General Hospital and Bapuji Hospital, affiliated with JJM Medical College in Davangere, Karnataka, from 2018 to 2023.

Results: Among a total of 394 STI cases majority (68.8%) were males, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.2:1. Among them, the most common age group was 21-40 years (68.6%), majority (74.2%) were semi-skilled or unskilled workers, and mainly hailing from rural areas (63.5%). 58.7% of patients were married, 52% gave a history of extra-or premarital sex and about 10% of patients were men who have sex with men (MSM). Ulcerative STIs were more common (56.5%) with herpes genitalis (39.5%) the most common STI, followed by condyloma acuminata (21.77%). Co-infections with other STIs were seen in 2.2% of cases among which 1.85% were also HIV positive. The prevalence of HIV among all STI cases was 6.3%, while that among the MSM was 18.5%.

Conclusion: STIs still remain a significant public health problem. This study underscores the need for targeted STI management strategies, especially for high-risk groups, to improve public health outcomes. Data on clinical pattern of STIs, and HIV prevalence rates can help in appropriate allocation of public health resources and better management of STIs.