Objective: This study is to reveal physicians' opinions on and attitude towards the syndromic approaches for manager sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Understanding their opinions and attitude will help lock health authorities to implement syndromic approaches.
Methods: This study was conducted in Anhui Province in December 1999. Physicians and public health doctors from city, or country level were invited to attend a 7-day training program, in which the syndromic approach was introduced. After that, an anonymously self-administered questionnaire was used to interview participants.
Results: Among 102 trainees, 97 participated this study. Currently, the main methods to diagnose STD patients included presumptive etiological diagnosis and diagnosis based on patients' syndromes and epidemiological clues. Sixty four percent of participants thought the syndromic approach would better than the diagnoses currently used. Most of them (89%) thought the syndromic approach would be used at clinics of only county level or lower. Thirty-eight participants (38.9%) mentioned that the syndromic approach would delay STD reporting system for surveillance. Two shortcomings of the syndromic approach were raised, the cost of false diagnosis and the over-treatment. Only 3% of participants thought that the syndromic approach could be used to all STD patients. Their opinions were obtained on the improvement of medical-service seeking behavior.
Conclusion: In order to implement the syndromic approach in China, where STD/AIDS epidemic has establish, its validity should be evaluated locally, and STD doctors, especially those at county level, should be trained to master this approach. This approach should be integrated into AIDS/STDs control programs.
Learning Objectives: "At the conclusion of the session, I (learner) in this session will be able to: 1.List 3 indicators that link a healthy community to AIDS/STD prevention. 2.Articulate the proceedure for assessing the syndromic approach to manager STDs in China. 3.Develop a plan for the implement of the syndromic appraoch in China
Keywords: STD, Treatment Outcomes
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.