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Pal S, Pathak PK, Rahaman M. Physical-mental health and awareness of HIV/STIs among men who have sex with men in selected cities of India. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:320. [PMID: 36782151 PMCID: PMC9926782 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15202-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have Sex with Men being sexual minorities are a vulnerable section of society and are at greater risk of ill-treatment if they are 'out of the closet' regarding their sexuality. Previous evidence suggests that they experienced heightened susceptibility to physical and mental illnesses owing to widespread discrimination and victimization across different walks of life, particularly in developing countries. However, there is a paucity of sound data and scientific understanding related to linkages between physical-mental health and awareness about Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Sexually Transmitted Infections among Men who have Sex with Men in the Indian context. METHODS Using a mixed-method approach, the present study examined the association between physical-mental well-being and awareness of comprehensive Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Sexually Transmitted Infections/relevant health behaviours based on primary data collected from 300 respondents from six selected metro cities in India. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test and binary logistic regression model have been used for the quantitative data analyses. In-depth interviews were conducted to contextualize and appreciate the substantive meanings and significance coming out from the quantitative results with the lived experiences of the study respondents. RESULTS Finding suggests that one-fourth of the respondents were experiencing long-term illnesses while close to four out of ten respondents experienced short-term illnesses. About one-third of the respondents experienced disordered eating behaviour and mood swings. Close to one-fifth of the respondents reportedly contemplated suicidal thoughts. Awareness related to Sexually Transmitted Infections and preventive measures related to Human Immunodeficiency Virus risk was considerably low among Men who have Sex with Men. CONCLUSION Awareness about sexual and reproductive health issues among Men who have Sex with Men needs to be strengthened to curtail the disproportionate risk and vulnerability of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Sexually Transmitted Infections. The public healthcare system needs to be sensitized and upgraded to cater user-friendly quality healthcare services, without any discrimination against sexual minorities including Men who have Sex with Men. Furthermore, generating public awareness about gender and sexuality-related matters and reducing stigma and discrimination is critical for achieving the health-related sustainable development goals in India without leaving no one behind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suraj Pal
- Department of Geography, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110007, India.
| | - Praveen Kumar Pathak
- grid.411818.50000 0004 0498 8255Department of Geography, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (Central University), New Delhi, 110025 India
| | - Margubur Rahaman
- grid.419349.20000 0001 0613 2600Department of Migration & Urban Studies, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, 400088 India
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Adu C, Mohammed A, Budu E, Frimpong JB, Tetteh JK, Ahinkorah BO, Seidu AA. Sexual autonomy and self-reported sexually transmitted infections among women in sexual unions. Arch Public Health 2022; 80:40. [PMID: 35081983 PMCID: PMC8790891 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-022-00796-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are major public health challenges worldwide. Despite the importance of sexual autonomy in the prevention and control of sexual and reproductive health disorders such as STIs, there are limited studies on the possible relationship between women's sexual autonomy and self-reported STIs, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study, therefore, examined the association between sexual autonomy and self-reported STIs among women in sexual unions in SSA. METHODS Data from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) of 31 countries in SSA conducted between 2010 and 2019 were analysed. A total of 234,310 women in sexual unions were included in the study. Data were analysed using binary logistic regression models and the results were presented as crude odds ratios (cORs) and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) at 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS The prevalence of self-reported STIs among women in sexual unions in SSA was 5.8%. Approximately 83.0% of the women surveyed had sexual autonomy. Women who had no sexual autonomy were less likely to have self-reported STIs (cOR=0.52, CI: 0.46-0.54), compared to those who had sexual autonomy. Additionally, higher odds of self-reported STIs were found among women aged 25-29, compared to those aged 15-19 (aOR= 1.21, CI: 1.09-1.35); those who reside in urban areas, compared to those who reside in rural areas (aOR= 1.51, CI: 1.37-1.66) and those who were cohabiting, compared to those who were married (aOR= 1.65, CI: 1.52-1.79). On the other hand, lower odds of self-reported STIs were found among women who were exposed to newspapers (aOR= 0.89, CI: 0.82-0.95), those whose partners had primary education (aOR= 0.84, CI: 0.78-0.91), those who were not exposed to radio (aOR= 0.84, CI: 0.79-0.89), and working women (aOR= 0.86, CI: 0.80-0.93). CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study suggest that sexual autonomy is a significant predictor of self-reported STIs among women in sexual unions in SSA. Thus, instituting policies and programs that empower women and improve their levels of sexual autonomy may result in increased self-reporting of symptoms associated with STIs which subsequently help in minimising STI-related complications. Also, policies aimed at enhancing women's sexual autonomy may reduce the burden of STIs in SSA, especially among women in sexual unions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collins Adu
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Disability Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Aliu Mohammed
- Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Eugene Budu
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - James Boadu Frimpong
- Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Justice Kanor Tetteh
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Bright Opoku Ahinkorah
- School of public health Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Abdul-Aziz Seidu
- Department of Estate Management, Faculty of Built and Natural Environment, Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, Ghana.,Centre for Gender and Advocacy, Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, Ghana.,College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
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Dadzie LK, Agbaglo E, Okyere J, Aboagye RG, Arthur-Holmes F, Seidu AA, Ahinkorah BO. OUP accepted manuscript. Int Health 2022; 14:545-553. [PMID: 35134172 PMCID: PMC9623488 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihab088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect individuals of all ages, but adolescent girls and young women are disproportionately affected. We examined the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported STIs (SR-STIs) among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods Demographic and Health Survey data of 27 sub-Saharan African countries were used for the study. The sample size comprised 68944 adolescent girls and young women
(15–24 y of age). The outcome variable was SR-STIs. Multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with SR-STIs. Results On average, the prevalence of SR-STIs among adolescent girls and young women in SSA was 6.92%. The likelihood of SR-STIs was higher among young women aged 20–24 y (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.36 [confidence interval {CI} 1.27 to 1.46]), those not married (aOR 1.64 [CI 1.51 to 1.79]), those working (aOR 1.20 [CI 1.12 to 1.27]), those whose age at first sex was ≤19 y (aOR 1.99 [CI 1.80 to 2.20]), those with two or more sex partners (aOR 1.56 [CI 1.35 to 1.80]), those who listened to radio (aOR 1.26 [CI 1.17 to 1.35]), those in urban areas (aOR 1.42 [CI 1.30 to 1.51]) and those with a wealth index of rich (aOR 1.28 [CI 1.17 to 1.40]) compared with their counterparts. In contrast, those with a primary (aOR 0.86 [CI 0.78 to 0.94]) or secondary/higher level of education (aOR 0.83 [CI 0.75 to 0.92]) compared with those with no formal education and those who were exposed to television (aOR 0.90 [CI 0.84 to 0.98]) compared with those who were not exposed were less likely to report STIs. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate the need for countries in SSA to commit towards reducing the incidence of STIs. Community-based health educational programs are required to intensify the awareness of STIs and their prevention in various sub-Saharan African countries considering the factors that expose adolescent girls and young women to STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ebenezer Agbaglo
- Department of English, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Joshua Okyere
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | | | - Francis Arthur-Holmes
- Department of Sociology and Social Policy, Lingnan University, 8 Castle Peak Road, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong
| | - Abdul-Aziz Seidu
- Department of Estate Management, Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, Ghana
- Centre for Gender and Advocacy, Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, Ghana
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Bright Opoku Ahinkorah
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Whelan J, Abbing-Karahagopian V, Serino L, Unemo M. Gonorrhoea: a systematic review of prevalence reporting globally. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:1152. [PMID: 34763670 PMCID: PMC8582208 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06381-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends periodic gonorrhoea prevalence assessments in the general population or proxies thereof (including pregnant women, women attending family planning clinics, military recruits, and men undergoing employment physicals for example) and in population groups at increased risk, including men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) and sex workers. METHOD We evaluated reported prevalence data, including estimates from proxy general population samples to reflect the WHO recommendations. We describe the outcomes from the general population country-by-country and extend previous reviews to include MSM, sex workers, and extragenital infections. RESULT AND CONCLUSION In our systematic search, 2015 titles were reviewed (January 2010-April 2019) and 174 full-text publications were included. National, population-based prevalence data were identified in only four countries (the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Peru, New Caledonia) and local population-based estimates were reported in areas within five countries (China, South Africa, Brazil, Benin, and Malawi). The remaining studies identified only reported test positivity from non-probability, proxy general population samples. Due to the diversity of the reviewed studies, detailed comparison across studies was not possible. In MSM, data were identified from 64 studies in 25 countries. Rectal infection rates were generally higher than urogenital or pharyngeal infection rates, where extragenital testing was conducted. Data on sex workers were identified from 41 studies in 23 countries; rates in female sex workers were high. Current prevalence monitoring was shown to be highly suboptimal worldwide. Serial prevalence monitoring of critical epidemiological variables, and guidelines to optimize prevalence study conduct and reporting beyond antenatal settings are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Whelan
- Clinical and Epidemiology Research and Development, GSK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Laura Serino
- Clinical and Epidemiology Research and Development, GSK, Siena, Italy
| | - Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and other STIs, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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Choi J, Bahl D, Arora M, Xuan Z. Changes in self-reported sexually transmitted infections and symptoms among married couples in India from 2006 to 2016: a repeated cross-sectional multivariate analysis from nationally representative data. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e049049. [PMID: 34670761 PMCID: PMC8529976 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the changes in prevalence of past-year self-reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and its symptoms among married couples between 2006 and 2016 in India, overall and by socioeconomic status. DESIGN This cross-sectional study uses the two most recent waves (2005-2006 vs 2015-2016) of nationally representative health surveys in India. We examined the changes of self-reported STI and symptoms among married couples aged 15-54 by overall and by socioeconomic status. Adjusted logistic regression was used to assess the changes, accounting for covariates and the complex survey design. SETTING Cross-sectional, nationally representative population-based survey in 2005-2006 and 2015-2016 from National Family Health Survey data from Demographic and Health Survey. PARTICIPANTS 39 257 married couples aged 15-49 years for the 2005-2006 survey wave and 63 696 married couples aged 15-49 years for the 2015-2016 wave. OUTCOME MEASURE Self-reported STI was used as a primary outcome measure. RESULTS In 2016, 2.5% of married women reported having had an STI in the past year, a significant increase from 1.6% in 2006 (p<0.001). The past-year self-reported STI prevalence among married men significantly increased from 0.5% in 2006 to 1.1% in 2016 (p<0.001). Adjusted results showed that the uptrend of couples' self-reported STI was more significant among those whose husbands are currently employed and those families in middle or higher wealth quintiles. Alarmingly, among couples who reported STI or symptoms, they were less likely to seek advice or treatment in 2016 as compared with 2006 (adjusted OR=0.50, p<0.001, 95% CI=0.40 to 0.61). CONCLUSION The study identifies a substantial increase in self-reported STI prevalence with a notable treatment seeking gap among married couples in India over the past decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Choi
- Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Deepika Bahl
- Health Promotion Division, Public Health Foundation of India, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - Monika Arora
- Health Promotion Division, Public Health Foundation of India, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - Ziming Xuan
- Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Sindhuja T, Gupta V, Bhari N, Gupta S. Asian guidelines for genital herpes. J Infect Chemother 2021; 27:1389-1399. [PMID: 34332884 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2021.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tekumalla Sindhuja
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vishal Gupta
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Neetu Bhari
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Somesh Gupta
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
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Safren SA, Devaleenal B, Biello KB, Rawat S, Thomas BE, Regenauer KS, Balu V, Bedoya CA, Dange A, Menon S, O’Cleirigh C, Baruah D, Anand V, Hanna LE, Karunaianantham R, Thorat R, Swaminathan S, Mimiaga MJ, Mayer KH. Geographic and behavioral differences associated with sexually transmitted infection prevalence among Indian men who have sex with men in Chennai and Mumbai. Int J STD AIDS 2021; 32:144-151. [PMID: 33323073 PMCID: PMC9528997 DOI: 10.1177/0956462420943016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
India has one of the largest numbers of men who have sex with men (MSM) globally; however, geographic data on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence and associations with sexual behavior are limited. Six-hundred and eight MSM in Chennai and Mumbai underwent screening for a behavioral trial and were assessed for bacterial STIs (syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea), HIV, and past-month self-reported condomless anal sex (CAS). Mumbai (37.8%) had a greater prevalence of any STI than Chennai (27.6%) (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.73). This pattern also emerged for gonorrhea and chlamydia separately but not syphilis. Conversely, Mumbai MSM reported lower rates of CAS (mean = 2.2) compared to Chennai MSM (mean = 14.0) (mean difference = -11.8, 95% CI: -14.6, -9.1). The interaction of city by CAS on any STI prevalence (PR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.45, 3.01, p < .0001) revealed that in Chennai, higher rates of CAS were not associated with STI prevalence, but in Mumbai they were (PR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.65, 3.76, p < .0001). The higher prevalence of bacterial STIs but lower frequency of CAS in Mumbai (versus Chennai), along with the significant interaction of CAS with city on STI rates, suggests that there are either differences in disease burden or differences by city with respect to self-reported assessment of CAS. Regardless, the high prevalence rates of untreated STIs and condomless sex among MSM suggest the need for additional prevention intervention efforts for MSM in urban India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A. Safren
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA
| | - Bella Devaleenal
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, India
| | - Katie B. Biello
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, India
- Departments of Behavioral & Social Sciences and Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | | | - Beena E. Thomas
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, India
| | | | - Vinoth Balu
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, India
| | - C. Andres Bedoya
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Conall O’Cleirigh
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Luke Elizabeth Hanna
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, India
| | - Ramesh Karunaianantham
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, India
| | | | - Soumya Swaminathan
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Matthew J. Mimiaga
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA
- Departments of Behavioral & Social Sciences and Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | - Kenneth H. Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Barriers to HIV Testing Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in India Reached Online: Implications for Interventions. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 78:e30-e34. [PMID: 29649075 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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9
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PIERBON M, COCCHIO S, RUSSO C, BONAMIN M, BALDO V. Sexually-transmitted infections: what is the true prevalence? A cross-sectional online survey of men who have sex with men in the Veneto Region of Italy. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2019; 60:E197-E202. [PMID: 31650054 PMCID: PMC6797894 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2019.60.3.1181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Rates of sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) remain high among men who have sex with men (MSM), posing serious public health concerns. The MSM population is recognized as a vulnerable, high-risk group due to barriers to preventive healthcare services and homophobic stigma. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using a questionnaire based on European Man-for-Man Internet Survey 2010 (EMIS 2010) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) core indicators specific for behavioral risks. MSM were reached between June and August 2017, using Facebook and dating apps. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Results A total of 324 respondents were analyzed, 88 subjects (27.2% of the sample) reported having experienced at least one STI, the most common being gonorrhea and HPV. Ten respondents reported having HIV infection, and 7 subjects (70%) of them were co-infected with other STIs. The 49.7% (161 subjects) had seen a doctor specifically for STIs. As concerns HPV vaccination, only 4.0% of the total respondents had been vaccinated. Restricting the sample to the 161 respondents who consulted an STI clinic, the 88 individuals who reported having had at least one STI amount to 54.6%. A more consistent use of condoms and larger numbers of sexual partners were significantly associated with a lower and higher risk of STI, respectively. Conclusions Comprehensive STI prevention strategies are needed to improve sexual health among MSM. Such strategies should include implementing programs to improve awareness about routine screening, and promote a consistent use of condoms by MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. PIERBON
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, Italy
- Degree Courses of Public and Community Health, University of Padua, Italy
| | - S. COCCHIO
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, Italy
- Correspondence: Silvia Cocchio, Hygiene and Public Health Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padova, via Loredan 18, 35131 Padova, Italy - Tel. +39 049 8275389 - Fax +39 049 8275389 - E-mail:
| | - C. RUSSO
- Degree Courses of Public and Community Health, University of Padua, Italy
| | - M.A. BONAMIN
- Degree Courses of Public and Community Health, University of Padua, Italy
| | - V. BALDO
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, Italy
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Prevalence of Active Syphilis Infection and Risk Factors among HIV-Positive MSM in Zhejiang, China in 2015: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16091507. [PMID: 31035429 PMCID: PMC6539918 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16091507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of active syphilis infection and explore the risk factors for active syphilis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive men who had sex with men (MSM) in Zhejiang Province, 2015. Design: Data on HIV-positive MSM living in Zhejiang Province were obtained from the National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention (NCAIDS) reporting system and the Zhejiang provincial AIDS/STD surveillance system between June and December 2015. The information included risky behavior, years with diagnosed HIV, and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). SPSS 19.0 was used for the data analysis. Results: The analysis included 3616 MSM. Of these, 11.3% (407/3616) had active syphilis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that HAART was significantly associated with an increased risk of active syphilis infection (odds ratio (OR) = 1.760, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.187–2.611). Compared with participants diagnosed with HIV for <2 years, patients diagnosed with HIV for >5 years had a higher risk of active syphilis infection (OR = 1.707, 95% CI 1.167–2.495). Age and number of sex partners were also independent risk factors for active syphilis infection. Conclusions: The incidence of active syphilis infection is high among HIV-positive MSM in Zhejiang Province; age, number of sex partners, years with diagnosed HIV, and receiving HAART were risk factors. Patients who are elderly, have lived with HIV for a longer period, have more sex partners, and receive HAART should be the focus of interventions to promote changes in behavior and decrease syphilis infection.
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Chuerduangphui J, Proyrungroj K, Pientong C, Hinkan S, Budkaew J, Pimson C, Chumworathayi B, Hanond P, Ekalaksananan T. Prevalence and anatomical sites of human papillomavirus, Epstein-Barr virus and herpes simplex virus infections in men who have sex with men, Khon Kaen, Thailand. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:509. [PMID: 30305039 PMCID: PMC6180447 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3406-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) cause sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that are frequently found in men who have sex with men (MSM) with human immunodeficiency viral (HIV) infection. METHODS This study investigated the prevalence of infection and anatomical site distribution of these viruses in asymptomatic MSM. DNA, extracted from cells collected from the anorectum, oropharynx and urethra of 346 participants, was investigated for the presence of EBV, HPV and HSV using real-time PCR. Demographic data from the participants were analyzed. RESULTS All three viruses were found in all sampled sites. EBV was the commonest virus, being detected in the anorectum (47.7% of participants), oropharynx (50.6%) and urethra (45.6%). HPV and HSV were found in 43.9% and 2.9% of anorectum samples, 13.8% and 3.8% of oropharynx samples and 25.7% and 2% of urethra samples, respectively. HPV infection of the anorectum was significantly associated with age groups 21-30 (odds = 3.043, 95% CI = 1.643-5.638 and P = 0.001) and 46-60 years (odds = 2.679, 95% CI = 1.406-5.101 and P = 0.03). EBV infection of the urethra was significantly correlated with age group 21-30 years (odds = 1.790, 95% CI = 1.010-3.173 and P = 0.046). EBV/HPV co-infection of the anorectum (odds = 3.211, 95% CI = 1.271-8.110, P = 0.014) and urethra (odds = 2.816, 95% CI = 1.024-7.740, P = 0.045) was also associated with this age group. Among HIV-positive MSM, there was a significant association between age-group (odds = 21.000, 95% CI = 1.777-248.103, P = 0.016) in HPV infection of the anorectum. A failure to use condoms was significantly associated with HPV infection of the anorectum (odds = 4.095, 95% CI = 1.404-11.943, P = 0.010) and urethra (odds = 7.187, 95% CI = 1.385-37.306, P = 0.019). Similarly, lack of condom use was significantly associated with EBV infection of the urethra (odds = 7.368, 95% CI = 1.580-34.371, P = 0.011). CONCLUSION These results indicate that asymptomatic MSM in Northeast Thailand form a potential reservoir for transmission of STDs, and in particular for these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jureeporn Chuerduangphui
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,HPV & EBV and Carcinogenesis Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Kanisara Proyrungroj
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,HPV & EBV and Carcinogenesis Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Chamsai Pientong
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,HPV & EBV and Carcinogenesis Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Saowarop Hinkan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,HPV & EBV and Carcinogenesis Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Jiratha Budkaew
- Department of Social Medicine, Khon Kaen Center Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Charinya Pimson
- Department of Animal Health Science, Faculty of Agro-Industrial Technology, Kalasin University, Kalasin, Thailand.,HPV & EBV and Carcinogenesis Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Bandit Chumworathayi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,HPV & EBV and Carcinogenesis Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Ploenpit Hanond
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Tipaya Ekalaksananan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand. .,HPV & EBV and Carcinogenesis Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
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12
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Atwa ZT, Abdel Wahed WY. Transfusion transmitted infections in frequently transfused thalassemic children living in Fayoum Governorate, Egypt: Current prevalence and risk factors. J Infect Public Health 2017; 10:870-874. [PMID: 28292647 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2017.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Regular blood transfusion therapy remains the primary treatment in thalassemia major (TM). Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) and iron overload are considered to be the major drawbacks of this therapy. This cross-sectional study aimed to update the prevalence of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody, PCR-confirmed HCV, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody among TM children. Clinical and epidemiological factors that can affect HCV infection prevalence rate were studied. This study evaluated 121 children with βTM, including 61 males and 60 females with a mean age of 7.99±3.57years. Patients were evaluated for the HCV, HBsAg, and HIV-1 & 2 antibodies. All tests were performed using ELISA. HCV positive cases were confirmed by RT-PCR. Twenty-five patients were positive for the HCV antibody (20.7%); 22 were confirmed positive by PCR. Six patients (5%) were HBsAg-positive. No patients were HIV-positive. Older age were associated with an increased frequency of HCV positive infection (P<0.003). More frequent transfusion, ≥10 times/year, and older age, ≥10years, were reported as predictors of HCV infection (P=0.018 and 0.011, respectively). A significant association of HCV between HBV infections was reported (P value=0.01). There was no significant effect of the pre-transfusion or post-transfusion hemoglobin level on the frequency of HCV positive cases. HCV still represents a major health challenge for frequently transfused Egyptian patients. The prevalence rate of HBV infection remains relatively high. Therefore, it is necessary to implement measures to improve blood transfusion screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeze Th Atwa
- Fayoum University Hospital, Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Egypt.
| | - Wafaa Y Abdel Wahed
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Egypt
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