INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF MIDWIVES AND DOCTORS ON THE QUALITY OF SYNDROMIC DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTION IN WOMEN REFERRING TO COMPREHENSIVE HEALTHCARE CENTERS IN ISFAHAN CITY IN 2019

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a significant global public health issue that impacts people's quality of life, and clinical follow-up of the patients is a crucial aspect of treatment management in the patients. Syndromic treatment may be effective and cost-efficient in improving the care of STI patients. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the knowledge and attitude of midwives and doctors with the quality of diagnosis and treatment of STIs in women.

This is a descriptive cross-sectional and correlation study, in which, 70 midwives and doctors were included by census method, and 267 women covered by comprehensive healthcare centers were selected using convenience sampling method. History taking, consultation and treatment by the personnel, as well as the diagnosis and treatment checklist for each visit were done in women referring to receive routine care and observed and completed by the researcher. The researcher completed a diagnosis and treatment checklist for each client. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 22.0 using descriptive and inferential tests.

There was a significant relationship between the physician's level of knowledge and the quality of treatment, as well as between the midwife's knowledge and the accuracy of diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections based on syndromic treatment (P values < 0.05). Paying attention to the treatment of the sexual partner as well as the prescription of medicine for women by the personnel for 53% of the women under investigation was done based on syndromic treatment.

Since knowledge of a topic does not indicate performance and behavior changes accordingly, it may be challenging to follow instructions even with moderate to high knowledge. Personnel should be monitored and evaluated after receiving training.