Management of Trichomoniasis in Adult Females: A Recommendation for Post-treatment Follow-Up
Abstract
Background
Trichomoniasis is estimated to be the most prevalent nonviral sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide, affecting approximately 2.6 million persons in the United States. Although it is considered the most curable STI, most persons who have trichomoniasis (70-85%) either have minimal or no genital symptoms. If left untreated, trichomoniasis can cause reproductive morbidity, preterm births, increased risk for cervical cancer, and pelvic inflammatory disease in adult females.
Current CDC recommendations are based on research showing accurate medication, patient education and follow-up are all key elements of identifying reinfections and determining clearance of primary infections. Research has demonstrated that effective patient follow-up significantly improves the resolution of primary infection, thereby reducing the chances of reinfection in sexually transmitted diseases. This quality improvement project was developed and initiated to address the lack of post-treatment follow-up by female patients whose trichomoniasis infection had been managed at a local public health department.
Methods
Adult females, ages eighteen 18- 45 years, that were diagnosed and treated for trichomoniasis were contacted by telephone for a follow-up interview 21- 30 days post-treatment to reinforce pertinent information, assess any complications, and provide counseling on their personalized STI risk reduction plan.
Results
Out of 13 individuals diagnosed and treated, a total of 5 participants consented to the telephone follow-up interview. Three patients (60%) scheduled a follow-up visit and 2 (40%) did not. However, there was an overall increase in post-treatment follow-up appointments and compliance with trichomoniasis education.
Conclusions
Despite evidenced-based recommendations, follow-up compliance for adult females diagnosed with trichomoniasis remains an issue in public health practice settings, i.e., local health departments. Therefore, initiation and implementation of a detailed plan for patient follow-up via phone consultation at consultation between 21- 30 days post-treatment can help promote provider knowledge on trichomoniasis management and promote the resolution of trichomoniasis infections.
Keywords
Sexually transmitted infections, Trichomoniasis, Reminder systems
Management of Trichomoniasis in Adult Females: A Recommendation for Post-treatment Follow-Up
Background
Trichomoniasis is estimated to be the most prevalent nonviral sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide, affecting approximately 2.6 million persons in the United States. Although it is considered the most curable STI, most persons who have trichomoniasis (70-85%) either have minimal or no genital symptoms. If left untreated, trichomoniasis can cause reproductive morbidity, preterm births, increased risk for cervical cancer, and pelvic inflammatory disease in adult females.
Current CDC recommendations are based on research showing accurate medication, patient education and follow-up are all key elements of identifying reinfections and determining clearance of primary infections. Research has demonstrated that effective patient follow-up significantly improves the resolution of primary infection, thereby reducing the chances of reinfection in sexually transmitted diseases. This quality improvement project was developed and initiated to address the lack of post-treatment follow-up by female patients whose trichomoniasis infection had been managed at a local public health department.
Methods
Adult females, ages eighteen 18- 45 years, that were diagnosed and treated for trichomoniasis were contacted by telephone for a follow-up interview 21- 30 days post-treatment to reinforce pertinent information, assess any complications, and provide counseling on their personalized STI risk reduction plan.
Results
Out of 13 individuals diagnosed and treated, a total of 5 participants consented to the telephone follow-up interview. Three patients (60%) scheduled a follow-up visit and 2 (40%) did not. However, there was an overall increase in post-treatment follow-up appointments and compliance with trichomoniasis education.
Conclusions
Despite evidenced-based recommendations, follow-up compliance for adult females diagnosed with trichomoniasis remains an issue in public health practice settings, i.e., local health departments. Therefore, initiation and implementation of a detailed plan for patient follow-up via phone consultation at consultation between 21- 30 days post-treatment can help promote provider knowledge on trichomoniasis management and promote the resolution of trichomoniasis infections.
