STDs Prevalence in New Female Drug Abusers at Rehab Center
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among New Female Drug Abusers in a Rehabilitation Centre
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:
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Rusli Bin Nordin, Abdul Rahman Bin Isa, Mohamed Rusli Bin Abdullah
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among New Female Drug Abusers in a Rehabilitation Centre
Year: 2001
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study focused on the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among female drug abusers at a rehabilitation center in Malaysia, involving 130 new inmates screened from May 1989 to July 1991. The majority of participants were Malays and self-confessed sex workers, highlighting a vulnerable demographic at high risk for STDs. The study employed physical examinations, structured questionnaires, and laboratory investigations to assess the socio-demographic characteristics and the extent of STDs among these individuals. The findings aimed to enhance rehabilitation efforts and promote effective follow-up treatment for this high-risk group.
High Prevalence of STDs Among Female Drug Abusers
The results of the study revealed alarming rates of various STDs among female drug abusers, with syphilis prevalence at 50.8%, hepatitis B at 52.2%, trichomoniasis at 19.2%, and gonorrhoea at 8.5%. Notably, over half of the subjects were found to harbor two or more STDs concurrently, indicating significant co-infection challenges. Furthermore, six participants tested positive for HIV, demonstrating a direct link between drug abuse, sexual activity, and the transmission of HIV and other STDs. This underscores the urgent need for comprehensive screening, early detection, and aggressive treatment strategies within the rehabilitation framework to address both the physical and psychological wellbeing of these women.
Conclusion
The evidence presented in this study highlights the critical intersection of drug abuse, sexual behavior, and the prevalence of STDs, particularly among female drug abusers in Malaysia. The high rates of STDs necessitate tailored rehabilitation programs that encompass medical treatment and spiritual counseling, particularly for predominantly Muslim participants. Moving forward, strategies must be developed to educate and raise awareness of the risks associated with drug abuse and sexual promiscuity. By treating these issues as interconnected, public health initiatives can more effectively address the broader implications of drug addiction and sexually transmitted infections within vulnerable populations.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the purpose of the study on female drug abusers?
The study aimed to screen for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) among female drug abusers in a rehabilitation center, identify socio-demographic characteristics, and improve rehabilitation efforts while facilitating follow-up treatment.
What were the main sexually transmitted diseases found in the study?
The study found high prevalence rates of syphilis (50.8%), hepatitis B (52.2%), moniliasis (23.8%), trichomoniasis (19.2%), and gonococcal vaginitis (8.5%) among the female drug abusers.
What demographic was primarily affected by the STD prevalence in the study?
The majority of the subjects were Malay female drug abusers, with a significant percentage identifying as self-confessed sex workers, highlighting their high-risk status for acquiring STDs.
What recommendations were made for addressing the issues identified in the study?
The study recommended thorough STD screening, aggressive treatment for affected individuals, and the inclusion of spiritual counseling to support rehabilitation, especially for Muslim women.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “STDs Prevalence in New Female Drug Abusers at Rehab Center”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
The term 'drug' in this context refers to substances that alter mental or physical states, often leading to abuse. Female drug abusers in the study represent a high-risk group for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) due to their behaviors associated with drug use, including risky sexual practices and increased vulnerability to infections.
2) Table:
Tables in the study provide organized data that visualize the prevalence rates of sexually transmitted diseases among female drug abusers, categorize subjects by age, ethnic group, and occupations, and summarize findings clearly. This structured presentation aids in analyzing trends and drawing significant conclusions from the gathered data.
3) Study (Studying):
The term 'study' refers to the systematic investigation carried out at a rehabilitation center to assess the prevalence of STDs among female drug abusers. The findings of this study are pivotal for understanding health issues within this demographic and are intended to improve rehabilitation methods and public health strategies.
4) Disease:
In this context, 'disease' refers to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that pose major health risks for the female drug abusers studied. The high prevalence of various STDs highlights the urgent need for screening and treatment protocols in rehabilitation settings to combat these prevalent and often serious conditions.
5) Viru (Vīṟu):
This term appears to stem from 'virus,' which pertains to infectious agents like HIV and hepatitis B identified among the female drug abusers. Understanding viral infections is crucial for addressing the health crises exacerbated by drug use and high-risk sexual behavior, especially regarding prevention and treatment strategies.
6) Medicine:
The term 'medicine' is relevant as it encompasses the healthcare practices used to treat and manage STDs among the study population. The study emphasizes the need for aggressive medical intervention and rehabilitation strategies to improve the overall health and well-being of female drug abusers facing multiple infections.
7) Trade:
The term 'trade' refers to the sex trade that many female drug abusers engage in to fund their drug habits. This involvement puts them at increased risk for STDs and HIV, as the study found a significant overlap between drug abuse and sex work within this population.
8) Transmission:
In the study, 'transmission' relates to how sexually transmitted infections (like HIV and hepatitis B) spread among female drug abusers. Understanding the mechanisms of transmission is crucial for developing effective prevention programs and intervention strategies that address both drug use and sexual health.
9) Indian:
The term 'Indian' in this study identifies one of the ethnic groups among the female drug abusers screened. The demographic breakdown allows for culturally relevant discussions on health behaviors and risks associated with ethnic backgrounds, and helps in tailoring rehabilitation programs to specific community needs.
10) Ulcer:
Ulcers, particularly genital ulcers, are relevant to the study as they can be associated with increased risk of HIV transmission. Understanding the link between STD presentations like ulcers and infection risks assists healthcare providers in managing the health of female drug abusers more effectively.
11) Male (Mālē):
While the study focuses on female drug abusers, the term 'male' highlights the overall drug abuse profile in Peninsular Malaysia, which is predominantly male. Recognizing gender differences in drug use trends is important for developing targeted strategies for prevention and rehabilitation among both sexes.
12) Reflecting:
The term 'reflecting' suggests that the high rates of STDs among female drug abusers may indicate larger public health challenges. The findings of the study reflect underlying social issues, including poverty and lack of access to healthcare, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions to address these problems.
13) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
The mention of 'antibiotic' refers to medications commonly misused among drug abusers, potentially explaining the low prevalence of gonorrhea observed in the study. Misuse of antibiotics has implications for STD treatment resistance and reinforces the need for effective medical supervision during rehabilitation.
14) Attending:
In the context of the study, 'attending' relates to the patients who seek care for STDs at clinics. The study underscores the importance of outreach in engaging female drug abusers in healthcare services to promote regular screening and timely treatment of STDs.
15) Madurai:
Madurai, a city in India, is mentioned as part of a comparative analysis to highlight STD prevalence in different regions. Inclusion of geographical data allows for understanding the broader context of sexual health trends and the effectiveness of interventions in various cultural settings.
16) Science (Scientific):
The term 'science' is relevant as it pertains to the systematic study of diseases, their causes, and effects, which is foundational to public health. The findings in this research contribute to the scientific understanding of the interplay between drug abuse and sexual health.
17) Campu (Campū, Cāmpu):
This term appears to be a typographical error for 'campus,' likely referring to the context of the research being conducted at a health campus. The setting of the study impacts the availability and focus of healthcare services offered to this vulnerable population.
18) India:
India is mentioned to provide context for global patterns of drug abuse and STDs, facilitating comparisons with findings from Malaysia. Understanding the international landscape of these issues can help tailor local strategies for prevention and treatment to address common challenges.
19) Dance:
The term 'dance' may refer to dance clubs, places where some of the participants may have worked as sex workers. Such venues are critical in understanding the environment that fosters drug abuse and STDs, linking cultural activities with high-risk behaviors.
20) Money:
'Money' in this context signifies a crucial factor driving female drug abusers to engage in sex work, thus increasing their risk for STDs. Economic pressures and the need for financial survival create vulnerability, indicating a significant area for intervention in rehabilitation efforts.
21) Hand:
The term 'hand' in healthcare contexts often represents the idea of providing help or intervention. Effective healthcare for female drug abusers necessitates a compassionate approach that extends a 'helping hand' to support rehabilitation, prevention, and healthcare access for this marginalized group.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘STDs Prevalence in New Female Drug Abusers at Rehab Center’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Hiv, Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation process, Physical examination, Physical well-being, Treatment regimen, Mental well-being, Occupational groups, Housewives, Psychological well-being, Non-Governmental Organizations, Chlamydia trachomatis, Hepatitis B Virus, Laboratory investigation, Genital ulcers, Prevalence rate, Candida albicans, Hepatitis B, Sexually transmitted disease, HIV infection, Age distribution, Occupational distribution, Follow-up treatment, False-positive, Educational assessment, Low socio-economic status, Specimen collection, Human immunodeficiency virus, Structured questionnaire, High risk group, Oropharynx, Serology, Ethnic group, Latent phase, Trichomoniasis, Socio-demographic data, Multiple sexual partners, Drug addiction, Routine screening, Hepatitis B infection, Drug abuse, Public health impact, Trichomonas vaginalis, Confidentiality, Rehabilitation centre, High Prevalence, Sexual partner, Needle sharing, Carrier, Cervical os, Aggressive treatment, Heterosexual transmission, Endogenous infection, HIV-positive, Population estimate, Department of Community Medicine, Active cases, Socio-demographic characteristic, Epidemiological assessment.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.
Muslim, Student, Malaysia, Repentance, Religious instruction, Moral guidance, Syphilis, Masses, Adultery and fornication, Rehabilitation efforts.