Characterization of patients with sexually transmitted diseases from September 2021 to September 2023

Abstract

Background: sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) affect a significant number of people on the planet and transcend sex, age and socioeconomic status. In Cuba, the increase in these infections is evident, according to statistical data from the 2022 yearbook. Objective: to characterize clinical and epidemiological variables in patients with sexually transmitted diseases treated in the “Aquiles Espinosa Salgado” polyclinic from September 2021 to September 2023. Methods: descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional study conducted in the health area and in time stated in the objective. The study population consisted of 990 patients. The variables evaluated were: age group, sex, sexual orientation, regular condom use, type of STD and history, declaration of extramarital contact, source of reported infection, and reason for attending follow-up consultations. Results: 98.6 % in ages between 20 and 59 years, more frequent in the 20-24 years group (55.5 %) and the female sex (93.44 %). In addition, heterosexual patients predominated (98.78 %) and those who do not regularly use the condom in sexual relations (74 %). The predominant STD was vaginal discharge syndrome (89.9 %); most patients did not report extramarital contact (81.31 %), they did not know the possible source of infection (85.15 %) and their motivation to attend follow-up consultations was influenced by health personnel (95.88 %). Conclusions: variables were described in patients with STDs in the health area, mostly adults and women.

Keywords

• infecciones de transmisión sexual/ control
• síndrome de flujo vaginal
• sífilis
• grupos de riesgo