Evaluation of STI Management by Private Practitioners in Penang

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Evaluation of the Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections by Private Practitioners in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
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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Author:

Mudassir Anwar, Syed Azhar Syed Sulaiman


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Evaluation of the Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections by Private Practitioners in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Year: 2008

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have long presented significant public health challenges, particularly with their association with HIV/AIDS. While the global incidence of curable STIs remains high, particularly in regions like South and Southeast Asia, the situation in Malaysia is compounded by underreporting and asymptomatic cases. This study, conducted among private practitioners in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, aimed to evaluate current management practices for STIs, particularly focusing on pharmacotherapy, patient counseling, and adherence to established treatment guidelines.

Inconsistent Management Practices

One major finding highlighted in the study is the inconsistency in treatment choices for gonorrhea among private practitioners. Despite the prevalence of gonorrhea cases, many practitioners prescribed dosages or drugs that did not align with established guidelines, such as the CDC and WHO recommendations. Notably, 51.2% of practitioners did not screen patients for HIV/AIDS, and a significant number (59%) failed to notify health authorities of STI cases. This indicates a critical gap in STI management and underscores a potential risk factor for the transmission of HIV/AIDS within the community.

Conclusion

The study concludes that the management of STIs by private practitioners in Pulau Pinang requires significant improvement in terms of antibiotic selection, patient counseling, and case notification practices. Current management strategies could adversely impact HIV/AIDS transmission in Malaysia. Recommendations include the development and dissemination of national guidelines for STI management, periodic reviews of essential drug lists, and addressing the stigma associated with STIs to enhance the quality of care provided. Comprehensive interventions are essential to improve practitioners' adherence to established treatment protocols and promote better health outcomes for patients.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What was the aim of the study conducted in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia?

The study aimed to determine the current practices of private practitioners in managing STIs, evaluate the pharmacotherapy provided, and compare these management practices to recommended standard guidelines.

What were the major findings regarding STI management by practitioners?

The study found significant inconsistencies in treatment choices for gonorrhea, insufficient HIV screening, irregular patient counseling about HIV/AIDS, and poor case notification to health authorities.

What percentage of practitioners followed specific STI treatment guidelines in the study?

While 67.9% of practitioners claimed to follow specific treatment guidelines, 32.1% did not. This lack of adherence could impact the effectiveness of STI management.

What recommendations were made to improve STI management practices?

The study recommended developing national STI management guidelines, improving drug supply, enhancing education and counseling practices, and addressing the stigma associated with STIs among healthcare providers.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Evaluation of STI Management by Private Practitioners in Penang”. 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' refers to pharmaceutical agents used in the treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Appropriate antibiotic usage is crucial as improper treatment can lead to resistance and ineffective management of STIs, further complicating public health responses, especially concerning the interconnectedness with HIV/AIDS transmission.

2) Study (Studying):
In this context, 'Study' pertains to the research conducted to assess the management practices of private practitioners for STIs in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. The findings highlight gaps in treatment adherence to guidelines and serve as a basis for recommendations to improve healthcare practices and patient outcomes.

3) Transmission:
The keyword 'Transmission' highlights the spread of infections, particularly concerning HIV/AIDS and STIs. The study indicates that inadequate management practices can escalate the risk of HIV transmission, emphasizing the need for effective STI treatment to mitigate public health threats and control the spread of these diseases.

4) Disease:
'Disease' refers to sexually transmitted infections, which are central to the study. The paper discusses their prevalence, implications for public health, and emphasizes the importance of effective treatment, documentation, and case notification to better manage and understand the impact of these infections on the population.

5) Observation:
The term 'Observation' denotes an evaluation method for assessing healthcare practices. In the study, it suggests that direct observation of provider-patient interactions could reveal actual management practices, potentially identifying discrepancies between reported and observable behaviors that affect STI management.

6) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
'Antibiotic' is a class of medications essential for treating bacterial STIs. The study underscores the importance of appropriate antibiotic selection based on guidelines, as incorrect dosages and choices can lead to ineffective treatment and contribute to resistance, complicating public health efforts.

7) Table:
'Table' refers to the data presentation format used in the study to summarize findings related to practitioners' treatment choices. Tables effectively organize complex information, allowing for easier analysis of treatment adherence and comparison with established guidelines, thus supporting evidence-based conclusions.

8) Male (Mālē):
'Male' pertains to the gender of patients receiving STI management. The study finds that practitioners are more likely to perform thorough examinations for male patients. Addressing gender differences in healthcare delivery is crucial for effective STI management and ensuring equitable treatment.

9) Reason:
'Reason' denotes the rationale behind practitioners' choices and behaviors in STI management. Understanding the reasons for treatment discrepancies, such as stigma or lack of guidelines, can inform strategies to improve practices and provide better care for patients with STIs.

10) Pharmacotherapy:
'Pharmacotherapy' refers to the medical treatment of STIs using drugs, particularly antibiotics. The study evaluates practitioners' adherence to pharmacotherapy guidelines, highlighting the necessity of appropriate treatments to effectively manage infections and mitigate the associated risk of HIV transmission.

11) Developing:
'Developing' relates to countries with emerging economies facing public health challenges, including STIs and HIV/AIDS. The context highlights the importance of addressing STI management within such nations, where healthcare access and treatment practices may differ significantly from developed countries.

12) Education:
'Education' emphasizes the need for informing healthcare practitioners and patients about STIs and their treatment. The study points out gaps in patient counseling and awareness, suggesting that improving education about safe practices and STI prevention strategies is essential for effective public health interventions.

13) Quality:
'Quality' pertains to the standard of STI management provided by healthcare practitioners. The study critiques the quality of care offered, pointing out inconsistencies in treatment approaches and the necessity for universally applied guidelines to enhance the overall quality of healthcare.

14) Ghana (Ghanā, Ghāṇa, Ghāna):
'Ghana' represents a comparable context within the study on STIs management. By drawing parallels with research from Ghana, the findings underscore challenges faced in different regions related to healthcare practices and the implications of STI management on public health.

15) Line:
'Line' can refer to specific guidelines or protocols in the context of STI management. The study discusses practitioners' adherence to established treatment lines for STIs, indicating a critical aspect of ensuring effective care in alignment with best practices.

16) Performance:
'Performance' evaluates how well private practitioners adhere to recommended standards in managing STIs. The study assesses practitioners' treatment choices against established guidelines, identifying areas for improvement in performance that could enhance patient outcomes and public health.

17) Medicine:
'Medicine' refers to the broader field encompassing the treatments and practices discussed in the study. It highlights the importance of evidence-based approaches in managing STIs and the implications for public health policy and individual patient care.

18) Indian:
'Indian' reflects the ethnic demographics of Pulau Pinang, highlighting multicultural aspects of healthcare delivery. Recognizing the diversity within patient populations can provide context for understanding variations in STI management practices and addressing cultural factors in treatment protocols.

19) Filling (Filled):
'Filled' relates to the process of completing the questionnaires used in the study. The completion of these surveys by practitioners ensures sufficient data collection to analyze practices, demonstrating their engagement with research on improving STI management in private clinics.

20) Shame (Same):
'Shame' signifies the stigma often associated with STIs that can hinder patients from seeking timely treatment and disclosing necessary information. The study identifies this social barrier as a key challenge in effective STI management and highlights the need for targeted public health initiatives.

21) Tai (Tāī, Ṭai):
'Thai' alludes to the context of STIs in Thailand, illustrating the regional public health implications of sexually transmitted infections in Southeast Asia. Learnings from Thailand can inform practices in Malaysia and shed light on socio-cultural factors affecting STI treatment and management.

22) Pur (Pūr):
'Poor' describes the inadequate management practices observed among private practitioners in treating STIs. The study emphasizes the detrimental impact of poor treatment adherence on public health outcomes, particularly concerning STI and HIV transmission, necessitating intervention strategies to improve care quality.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Evaluation of STI Management by Private Practitioners in Penang’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Public health, Physical examination, Private practitioners, Follow-up, Convenience sampling technique, HIV infection, Antibiotic resistance, Therapeutic regimen, Gonorrhea, Doxycycline, Self-administered questionnaire, Sociodemographic characteristics, Syphilis Treatment, Clinical Treatment, Cross sectional descriptive study, History taking, Public health issue, Treatment guidelines, Ceftriaxone, Treatment choice, Patient counseling, Penicillin G, Descriptive statistical analysis, Case management, Health authorities, Private clinics, Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Case notification, Methodological issues, National guideline, Guidelines for treatment, Kanamycin, Socio-demographic characteristic.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

Syphilis.

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