Knowledge About Sexually Transmitted Infections (STls) and Attitudes Toward Female Sex Workers With STI Symptoms Among Health Care Providers in Laos

Abstract

This article which studied female sex workers in Thailand and Vietnam is interesting because Kenya's Ministry of Health found the knowledge of care providers in relation to sexually transmitted infections (STls) and sex workers wanting in knowledge, attitude and skills. This, to me, seems to be a widespread problem. Kenya's Ministry of Health has experienced the same low STI knowledge. This necessitated the development of syndromic management of STls and the retraining of health personnel on how to use the syndromic diagnosis and appropriate management of STls. The attitude of health workers towards sex workers with an STI is negative as demonstrated by statements like "anyway, you asked for it", with absolutely no empathy. This study is a reminder that health workers need re-tooling in holistic management of STls, including attitude changes. I recommend the retraining of health workers in STI management and how to work with sex workers.