A Survey on Quality of Services, Training, and Attitude of Dermatology Trainee Residents About Sexually Transmitted Infections in Teaching Hospitals Across India

Abstract

Introduction: The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has increased disproportionately to STI services. It is uncertain how many residents trained in STI services continue them. This study assessed the self-rated quality of training and attitudes about STI services amongst residents of Indian teaching hospitals. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional survey study, opinions from Indian postgraduate trainee residents were sought in three domains of STIs- institutional STI management practices, quality and satisfaction with training, and attitude towards STI services. Results: A total of 225 responses were included. There was no separate area for STI services at centers of 51.6% of residents, and among those with separate STI posting, the duration was ≤2 months for 34.7%, with 59.6% wishing for its increase. Easily available bedside tests were used regularly when indicated by only 41.8%. Only 58.2% of respondents strictly ensured contact tracing and partner treatment. Only 65.8% of centers had provision of benzathine penicillin. Under-confidence in managing STIs independently was reported by 19.6%. Inadequate training was the second reason for wishing to discontinue STI services upon completion of training; with 71.5% wishing to continue STI practice. In univariate analysis, frequent point-of-care testing (P 2 months of separate STI posting (P = 0.018) were associated with good satisfaction with STI training. Frequent point-of-care testing (P 2 months of separate STI posting, frequent point-of-care tests, and efforts to reduce reluctance when dealing with STI patients are steps that can improve the STI training experience of residents.

Keywords

• nonvenereal genital dermatoses
• postgraduate education
• resident training
• sexually transmitted infections
• sti
• sti services