Syndromic Management of Female Sexually Transmitted Infections at Primary Care Level in Tunisia (Monastir 2007-2017)

Abstract

Background: In the world as in North Africa,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a public health problem especiallyfor reproductive-age women.Since the quantification of the prevalence of STIs is important for the planning of interventions and the promotion of resources, it is necessary to have current data to evaluate the situation in the Maghreb and to give the answer as to the possibility of reaching the desired WHO goal of ending STIs epidemics as a public health concerns by 2030.The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and trend of STIs during 11 yearsin Tunisia (2007-17).Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study including all women with STIs diagnosed with the syndromic approach in all basic health care centers of the Governorate of Monastir (Tunisia) from 2007 to 2017.Syndromes included, Pelvic Pain (PP),Vaginal Discharge (VD)and Genital Ulceration (GU). Results: We analyzed 40388 cases of genital infection with a crude prevalence rate and age standardized prevalence rate of13.93/ 1000 inh and 72.38/ 1000 respectively.The prevalence rate was relatively high and showed a positive trend over 11 years for all age groups and syndromes. VD was the most common syndrome with a CPR of 11.7/1000. For all syndromes, women of childbearing age(20 to 39 years) were the most affected age group(p <0.05). Conclusion:Our results were consistent with the global evidence, suggesting a focus on primary prevention reinforcement and STIs surveillance system improving in North Africa countries to achieve the World health organization goalof ending STIs epidemics by 2030.