Evaluation of syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections in Blantyre, Malawi.

Sixty-five consecutive patients presenting to the sexually transmitted infections (STI) clinic, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Blantyre were interviewed and six health centres were visited to assess the quality of syndromic management of STIs and also to evaluate the success of partner treatment of index cases. The results showed that more females (55%) than males (45%) presented and 69% of interviewed patients were between 17 - 25 years. Age range was between 17 and 56 years and median age was 27. Married people predominated at 69% while singles were only 20%. 66%, 20% and 14% were index case, sexual partners and repeat cases respectively while 33% of the attendees had had an STI within the previous 3 months. Approximately 95% of patients had formal education and 97% had religious affiliations. When compared to previously criteria, the result of this survey showed that information dissemination, health education and counselling of patients with STIs were poor with only 29% being adequately managed. We also observed that only 20% of partners were treated in this study. Health centers lacked the necessary equipment, personnel and supplies to adequately provide syndromic management services. Furthermore, record keeping in these centres was poor.