Quality of care in sexually transmitted diseases in Zambia: patients' perspective.

ABSTRACT

PIP: Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are the most common infectious diseases in Zambia, affecting mainly adolescents and young adults across society. Zambia, with a total population of about 8 million people, experiences approximately 125,000 cases of STD annually. Findings are reported from a study conducted to describe Zambian STD patients' response to treatment and compliance with partner notification, as well as their satisfaction with health care received. 92 male and 87 female patients were interviewed twice at an urban health center 5 km outside of Lusaka. The men and women were aged 17-55 and 15-37 years, respectively, of mean ages 26 and 23. 48% of the men and 78% of women were married. Most of the patients were unsatisfied with the care received. Their response to treatment and compliance with partner notification were unsatisfactory. For example, lack of funds prevented 13 patients from buying medicines, and 125 patients had asked 134 sex partners to come for treatment, but only 60% of them had actually done so and been treated. The most important factors defining good quality STD care noted by study participants were the provision of free medicines, privacy, injections rather than tablets, pre-treatment examinations, and information about their diagnoses. Health care providers must improve their communication and counseling skills to better understand patients' needs.