Characterization of patients diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases attended at a public health institution in Manizales (Caldas) during the years 2009-11

Objective: To characterize patients diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases treated atASSBASALUD ESE in Manizales (Colombia) from 2009 to 2011. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study, which collected information from the database of health centers from ASSBASALUD ESE, 933 medical records were analyzed, of which 503 met the inclusion criteria. The variables studied include gender, age at first intercourse, condom use, marital status and diagnosis of STDs. Results: The year with greatest prevalence of STD was 2010 by 55%, the female gender was predominant by 87.5%, average age was found of 28.64 years. The most frequent reason for consultation was to non-specific symptoms by 34.8%. Candidiasis was the most prevalent STD among women by 60,3%, followed by genital herpes among men by 33.3%. Patients with an unstable union had higher proportion of sexually transmitted diseases. Conclusions: Sexually transmitted diseases are diagnosed more frequently in women, because that population consults more frequently the health services ofASSBA SAL UD ESE. Although the prevalence of STD has decreased year after year, it is clear that more and better methods of diagnosis and treatment are needed for this population Key words: Sexually transmitted diseases, havior.