CONTENTS
Chapters
- The Toll of STDs
- Reducing the Toll of STDs
- Managing STDs
- Diagnostic and Treatment Tips
- Getting Services to the People
- Getting People to Services
- Promoting Prevention—Condoms and Monogamy
HIGHLIGHTS
Population Reports is published by the Population Information Program, Center for Communication Programs, The
Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 111 Market Place, Suite 310, Baltimore, Maryland
21202-4012, USA
Volume XXI, Number 1
June, 1993 |
Economic Costs
Sexually transmitted diseases and their sequelae are costly
to individuals and the health care system. Many people with STDs
seek care from private providers, where they may pay one-quarter
to one-third of their monthly earnings for drugs (162, 198).
Also, STDs reduce the productivity of men and women in the prime
of their lives. For example, in urban areas of sub-Saharan Africa
with a high prevalence of STDs, syphilis causes the loss of an
estimated 9 productive days per capita per year for the entire
urban population; HIV infection leads to the loss of 48 days
(215).
Clinics and hospitals must devote much of their time and
resources to patients with STDs. In a province of Mozambique, for
example, 10% to 15% of visits to primary health clinics are for
STD treatment (21). In reports from sub-Saharan Africa pelvic
inflammatory disease accounts for 17% to 40% of gynecological
admissions to hospitals; in Asia, 3% to 37% (189). |