Care of STDs in Alexandra

Abstract

We review recent research finding related to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) at the Alexandra Health Centre and University Clinic (AHC). We also report the finding of a postal survey requesting information, from GPs in and within 1 km of Alexandra, on workload due to care of patients with STDs and in need of antenatal care. The care of patients with STD, and particularly the Sexual Health Education (SHE) that they receive, has been greatly improved and studies have been completed on Sexually Abused children, on the profile of patients attending AHC with STD, on HIV prevalence and on the prevalence of penicilin resistant gonococcus. IN the survey of GPs, 16 were identified by a snowballing smapling method. The response rate was 81%. From the results we conclude that over 20% of the population over 15 treated at least once a year for STD. Mostly by GPs and about 1/5 by clinicians at the AHC. We also report on HIV testing, antenatal care and on deliveries conducted by GPs and by the AHC.