Curable sexually transmitted infections among the clientele of a family planning clinic in Istanbul, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Integrating screening and treatment of sexually transmitted infections into existing family planning programs can be a good way to fight this problem. Also, the number of studies on the prevalence of certain sexually transmitted infections in this population in Turkey is limited. GOAL: To find out the prevalence of the most common sexually transmitted infections among the clients of an urban family planning clinic and to evaluate demographic characteristics and clinical signs related to sexually transmitted infections. STUDY DESIGN: Samples for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis were collected from 569 women who attended the clinic from December 15, 1997 to March 31, 1998. RESULTS: No case of N gonorrhoeae was found among the samples. The prevalence of C trachomatis infection was 1.9%, whereas the prevalence of of T vaginalis was 2.6%. None of the demographic characteristics or clinical signs was related to these infections. CONCLUSION: Larger studies using more sensitive laboratory tests are needed to determine the prevalence of chlamydial infections in family planning clinics in Turkey.

Acceptability of Norplant at a well-woman clinic in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To make an assessment of the acceptability and cost of subdermal implants, a new method in Turkey, in a free-choice environment. METHODS: The records of women attending a university well-woman clinic in Istanbul, Turkey, were analyzed retrospectively. Among other contraceptives registered in the country, the women were offered subdermal contraceptive implants (Norplant) during counselling sessions. The women who chose implants were invited to attend for follow-up three times during the first 12 months and were advised to return annually thereafter. An estimation of cost was performed for Norplant, using the government price of the implant and the wage rates of public-sector staff. An estimation of cost was also performed for oral contraceptives. RESULTS: Among the 5650 women who applied to the Clinic for contraception between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 1998, 274 women decided to use implants, giving an initial acceptance rate of 5.1%. Continuation rates were 91.8%, 71.6% and 42.5% at 12 months, 24 months and 36 months, respectively. There were no pregnancies within the study period. The only demographic characteristic that was positively related to the acceptability of Norplant was younger age. The cost of contraception with Norplant was found to be lower than that for oral contraceptives. CONCLUSION: The high initial acceptance and continuation rates, combined with its high efficacy, make Norplant a valuable tool for Turkey's National Family Planning Program. Contraception with Norplant is also a cost-effective method, at least for the public sector.