Article Text
Abstract
Introduction The objective of this study was to determine the screening rate and prevalence of Chlamydia (CT), gonorrhoea (GC), Treponema pallidum (TP), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B (HBV) infections among our presumed high-risk obstetric population. We also report treatment and follow-up of patients and their partners.
Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of 1000 obstetrics patients seen between 2008 and 2014 at our clinic. 854 met criteria for inclusion in the study; included were patients who received most or all prenatal care at our clinic. Demographic data were collected to understand risk factor prevalence in this population. Test results, patients, partner management and follow-up data were extracted from electronic medical records. All descriptive analyses were done using STATA.
Results The mean age of patients was 29.2 ± 7.5 (range 14–48). Twenty seven percent reported a prior history of STI, 90% were screened for CT and GC at least once, 98.9% for TP, 97.8% for HBV and 84% for HIV. Prevalence of CT, GC, CT&GC, HBV, TP and HIV were 3.7%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.2%, 0.1% and 1%, respectively. All patients with positive screening were treated and 97% of them had a subsequent test of cure. Only 18.2% of partners were reportedly treated. Thirty nine percent of partners were untreated and management unknown for 42.4% of partners.
Conclusion Compared to national screening rates, our centre holds very high screening rates but is still not yet optimal. Our HIV screening rate was lowest compared to the other infections. Pregnancy presents a unique opportunity for screening so continuing counselling is indispensable to educate expecting mothers who decline screening on the importance of STIs testing. To address the lack of partners’ screening, providing prescription for both patients and their partners should be implemented.
Disclosure of interest statement No funding. No pharmaceutical grants were received in the development of this study.