QUALITY OF STD CARE IN AN URBAN ZAMBIAN SETTING - THE PROVIDERS PERSPECTIVE

The aim of this paper is to analyse obstacles to optimal STD care in a n urban setting in Zambia. Eighty-two health professionals answered a questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions. More than 50% were not satisfied with their working conditions, due to heavy workload, l ack of equipment/drugs, poor salary, and lack of continuing education. Negative opinions about STD patients were common. Treatment and preve ntive activities were considered important but most respondents found patient compliance poor-especially for partner notification. To improv e the quality of STD care, training in STD management should be combin ed with improved working conditions. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. Al l rights reserved.