PAST PROJECTS
Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevalence Study
WINGS’ STI study, possibly the first of its kind in Guatemala, was developed in response to the scarcity of information surrounding the prevalence of STIs and HIV/AIDS in Guatemala. Through WINGS-sponsored Pap smear clinics, it became clear that roughly 1-2% of women needed further testing and 5-10% received necessary medication, possibly indicating a widespread incidence of STIs. Yet, a WINGS-commissioned survey in 2003 of all sources (Ministry of Health, university theses, interviews with other organizations working in health, etc.) revealed that very limited data existed regarding STI prevalence in the general population. WINGS designed and implemented a prevalence study in conjunction with the Rafael Landivar University to collect data regarding STIs in the general female population, inform women about STIs, and provide STI testing and treatment services through a small pilot project.
Why was the study necessary?
Both the lack of information surrounding what percentage of the population might be infected and the lack of STI education and services in low income, rural and/or indigenous areas were cause for concern:
· STIs are ignored as a health care issue in Guatemala – despite the fact that of the 4,000 Pap smears WINGS sponsored in 2003, approximately 5-10% of women needed some type of follow-up treatment, possibly indicating a widespread prevalence of the human Papilloma virus, an STI which often leads to cervical cancer.
· Prevalence rates of STIs in Guatemala are not tracked, nor is there any coordinated effort to educate the public about risks and prevention of STIs, except for HIV/AIDS.
· The Ministry of Health reports most STIs in one category, masking the prevalence of differentiated STIs.
· Rural men and women often do not seek care until a condition causes significant discomfort/pain and inability to work. If s/he suspects an STI is the cause, the person will go to a private laboratory for testing, which because of financial restraints, distance, and other obstacles, often means that the person is not diagnosed and treated, the condition goes unreported, and the partner remains in the dark.
The Solution
WINGS’ STI Testing and Treatment Initiative involved the voluntary testing of 1,160 women attending WINGS-sponsored Pap smear clinics in rural, largely indigenous, communities in the Department of Chimaltenango, Guatemala. The women were tested for five common STIs: Syphilis, HIV, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Trichomonas. They were also screened for two bothersome conditions: Candida and Gardnerella.
Each participant received pre- and post-test counseling in her native language (Mayan Kakchiquel or Spanish) to enable her to make an informed choice on whether to participate in the study, and to ensure that all who were diagnosed positive for any of these seven conditions understood the necessity of complying with follow-up advice and treatment. Data is being compiled and analyzed, and the results will be disseminated throughout the Guatemalan health-care and development community in the first half of 2006.
This project benefited the project participants and their families directly through the provision of testing and treatment of common STIs, as well as information on protection against future infection. In addition, it will also benefit countless more Guatemalans indirectly through the dissemination of valid information on which to base further interventions.
Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevalence Study
WINGS’ STI study, possibly the first of its kind in Guatemala, was developed in response to the scarcity of information surrounding the prevalence of STIs and HIV/AIDS in Guatemala. Through WINGS-sponsored Pap smear clinics, it became clear that roughly 1-2% of women needed further testing and 5-10% received necessary medication, possibly indicating a widespread incidence of STIs. Yet, a WINGS-commissioned survey in 2003 of all sources (Ministry of Health, university theses, interviews with other organizations working in health, etc.) revealed that very limited data existed regarding STI prevalence in the general population. WINGS designed and implemented a prevalence study in conjunction with the Rafael Landivar University to collect data regarding STIs in the general female population, inform women about STIs, and provide STI testing and treatment services through a small pilot project.
Why was the study necessary?
Both the lack of information surrounding what percentage of the population might be infected and the lack of STI education and services in low income, rural and/or indigenous areas were cause for concern:
· STIs are ignored as a health care issue in Guatemala – despite the fact that of the 4,000 Pap smears WINGS sponsored in 2003, approximately 5-10% of women needed some type of follow-up treatment, possibly indicating a widespread prevalence of the human Papilloma virus, an STI which often leads to cervical cancer.
· Prevalence rates of STIs in Guatemala are not tracked, nor is there any coordinated effort to educate the public about risks and prevention of STIs, except for HIV/AIDS.
· The Ministry of Health reports most STIs in one category, masking the prevalence of differentiated STIs.
· Rural men and women often do not seek care until a condition causes significant discomfort/pain and inability to work. If s/he suspects an STI is the cause, the person will go to a private laboratory for testing, which because of financial restraints, distance, and other obstacles, often means that the person is not diagnosed and treated, the condition goes unreported, and the partner remains in the dark.
The Solution
WINGS’ STI Testing and Treatment Initiative involved the voluntary testing of 1,160 women attending WINGS-sponsored Pap smear clinics in rural, largely indigenous, communities in the Department of Chimaltenango, Guatemala. The women were tested for five common STIs: Syphilis, HIV, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Trichomonas. They were also screened for two bothersome conditions: Candida and Gardnerella.
Each participant received pre- and post-test counseling in her native language (Mayan Kakchiquel or Spanish) to enable her to make an informed choice on whether to participate in the study, and to ensure that all who were diagnosed positive for any of these seven conditions understood the necessity of complying with follow-up advice and treatment. Data is being compiled and analyzed, and the results will be disseminated throughout the Guatemalan health-care and development community in the first half of 2006.
This project benefited the project participants and their families directly through the provision of testing and treatment of common STIs, as well as information on protection against future infection. In addition, it will also benefit countless more Guatemalans indirectly through the dissemination of valid information on which to base further interventions.
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