scholarly journals Online tests for sexually transmitted infections – Friend or Foe? An analysis of providers in the United Kingdom.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor Clarke ◽  
Paddy Horner ◽  
Peter Muir ◽  
Katy M.E. Turner ◽  
Emma Harding-Esch
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Regulatory Change ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Online Tests

Objectives: Online testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may contribute to overcoming barriers to traditional testing such as stigma and inconvenience. However, regulation of these tests is lacking, and the quality of services is variable, with potential short- and long-term personal, clinical and public health implications. This study aimed to evaluate online tests available in the UK against national standards. Methods: Providers of online STI tests (self-sampling and self-testing) in the UK were identified by an internet search of Google and Amazon (June 2020). Website information on tests and care was collected, and further information requested from providers via an online survey, sent twice (July 2020, April 2021). The information obtained was compared to British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) guidelines for diagnostics and standards of STI management. Results: 31 providers were identified: 13 self-test, 18-self-sample, and two laboratories that serviced multiple providers. Seven responded to the online survey. Many conflicts with national guidelines were identified, including: lack of health promotion information, lack of sexual history taking, use of tests licensed for professional use only marketed for self-testing, inappropriate infections tested for, incorrect specimen type used, and lack of advice for post-diagnosis management. Conclusions: Very few online providers met the BASHH national STI management guidelines standards that were assessed, and there is concern that this will also be the case in areas that were not covered by this study. For-profit providers were the least compliant, with concerning implications for patient care and public health. Regulatory change is urgently needed to ensure that online providers are compliant with national guidelines to ensure high-quality patient care, and providers are held to account if non-compliant.

scholarly journals Managing Sexually Transmitted Infections in Pregnant Women

2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 313-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadi K Gupta ◽  
Christine A Bowman
Keyword(s):  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Recommended Treatment ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Birth Preterm

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) constitute a major public health problem in the UK and may result in very costly complications. Many STIs pose the risk of a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes including miscarriage, still birth, preterm delivery, low birth weight and ophthalmia neonatorum. National guidelines for the management of STIs are produced and regularly revised by the British Association of Sexual Heath and HIV. This review outlines the latest recommended treatment options during pregnancy for the commonly encountered STIs.

scholarly journals KNOWLEDGE OF NURSES ON SYNDROMIC MANAGEMENT OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS IN PUBLIC FACILITIES

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Maina Eva Mumbi ◽  
Mwangi John Hiuhu ◽  
Njuguna Felix Tharao ◽  
Maingi Nancy Nyambura
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Data Collection Tool ◽  
Syndromic Management ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Public Health Facilities ◽  
Syndromic Approach

Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge of nurses on syndromic management of STIs in public health facilities within Kirinyaga west Sub County. Methodology: The study utilized descriptive cross-sectional study design, with a target population of 70 nurses working in 16 Kirinyaga west public health facilities. The dependent variable was applying syndromic approach management of sexually transmitted infections, independent variables as knowledge and practices. The study utilized purposive sampling technique to determine the sample size of 49 nurses. The study employed the use of a questionnaire as a data collection tool and check list. A pretest of the data collection tool was conducted at Karatina sub county hospital MCH/FP Findings The study findings showed that 90% of the respondents had general knowledge of what syndromic approach is though 38% were not able to identify the common STIs syndromes and 39% couldn’t correctly identify the STIs that present a genital ulcer. 45% depended on laboratory investigations to diagnose and manage STIs, while 74% had not undergone any training or CME in the last 2 years on syndromic management of STIs and 96%reported that the health facilities they were stationed did not have readily available WHO/NASCOP 2015 guidelines. The respondents did not apply the syndromic approach in managing STIs and that, knowledge and practice on syndromic management of STIs among nurses in Kirinyaga west Sub County is low at 41%. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: There is need for more awareness through capacity building among health workers managing sexually transmitted infections in the communities and therefore the study recommends county Governments to organize for trainings and CMEs on STIs/syndromic approach and identify an STIs management focal person in public health facilities.

Bridging the gap between development of point-of-care nucleic acid testing and patient care for sexually transmitted infections

Lab on a Chip ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuangwen Hsieh ◽  
Johan H. Melendez ◽  
Charlotte A Gaydos ◽  
Jeff Tza-Huei Wang
Keyword(s):  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Medical Cost ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Nucleic Acid Testing ◽  
Cost Burden ◽  
Sexually Transmitted

The rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including the four major curable STIs – chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and, syphilis – continue to increase globally, causing medical cost burden and morbidity...

Achieving successful partner notification: putting together the pieces of the puzzle

2009 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 601-602 ◽  
Author(s):  
C S Estcourt ◽  
L J Sutcliffe ◽  
T Shackleton
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Partner Notification ◽  
Public Health Measure ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Health Measure

Partner notification as a public health measure to reduce transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a cornerstone of STI control in most countries. The success of any partner notification strategy is conditional on its acceptability and feasibility to both patients and health-care professionals, its compliance with relevant professional and legislative guidance, and its cost-effectiveness.

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