1
|
Ju I, Elhindi J, Hook M, Melov SJ, Sawleshwarkar S, Yapa HM, Zablotska I, Pasupathy D. Sexually transmitted infections: Prevalence and clinical outcomes among pregnant women in Western Sydney. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 166:107-114. [PMID: 38654697 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We report the prevalence, characteristics and clinical outcomes of women with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in pregnancy in the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) serving a large culturally and socio-economically diverse community in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, over the last 10 years. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of all pregnant women booked for antenatal care at three hospitals in WSLHD between September 2012 and August 2022 inclusive. Characteristics and birth outcomes associated with STIs diagnosed in pregnancy (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) are reported using multivariable logistic regression adjusting for relevant confounders. RESULTS During 2012-2022, there were 102 905 births and 451 women (0.44%) with an STI diagnosis during pregnancy. The number of women with a history of chlamydia prior to their current pregnancy has increased over the last 10 years (P < 0.001). STIs in pregnancy were more common in younger women aged <20 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 7.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.04-10.57), 20-24 years (aOR 3.12, 95% CI 2.46-3.96), and >40 years (adj OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.07-2.59), in women with body mass index >30 (aOR 1.73, 95%CI 1.37-2.19), and those who smoked (aOR 2.24, 95% CI 1.71-2.94) and consumed alcohol (aOR 3.14, 95% CI 1.88-5.23) and illicit drugs (aOR 2.10, 95% CI 1.31-3.36). STIs in pregnancy were borderline associated with stillbirth (aOR 2.19 95% CI 0.90-5.36) but did not have a significant impact on preterm birth (aOR 1.21, 95% CI 0.87-1.68), admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (aOR 1.02, 95% CI 0.77-1.34), or having a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) baby (aOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.74-1.27). CONCLUSIONS Sociodemographic factors such as age, weight, smoking, and alcohol and drug use, were associated with the STI incidence in pregnancy. While the latter did not have an impact on preterm birth, NICU admission, and SGA in our cohort, there was a borderline association with stillbirth. Future research should identify barriers and facilitators to testing in a multicultural population and understanding the drivers of higher rates of STIs in certain population groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Ju
- Reproduction and Perinatal Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J Elhindi
- Reproduction and Perinatal Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Hook
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - S J Melov
- Reproduction and Perinatal Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Westmead Institute of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - S Sawleshwarkar
- Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - H M Yapa
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - I Zablotska
- Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - D Pasupathy
- Reproduction and Perinatal Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Westmead Institute of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Micks E. Sexually transmitted infections in midlife women. Menopause 2024; 31:430-432. [PMID: 38626377 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are increasing in all age groups. Although STI incidence decreases with age, midlife women have risk factors that may lead to STI acquisition and underdiagnosis. Clinicians may assume that older women are not sexually active. Although many STIs are asymptomatic, when midlife women do experience vaginal symptoms, they may be erroneously attributed to menopause changes. Clinicians should follow evidence-based screening recommendations provided by the US Preventive Services Task Force and consider STIs in the differential diagnosis of vaginal symptoms. Treatment of STIs in midlife women are guided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's STI Treatment Guidelines.
Collapse
|
3
|
Stewart LL, Vodstrcil LA, Coombe J, Bradshaw CS, Hocking JS. Bacterial vaginosis after menopause: factors associated and women's experiences: a cross-sectional study of Australian postmenopausal women. Sex Health 2024; 21:SH23094. [PMID: 38626203 DOI: 10.1071/sh23094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Background Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal discharge in reproductive age women; however, little is known about it after menopause. We aimed to learn more about BV in Australian postmenopausal women. Methods We conducted an online survey (July-September 2021). Participants were recruited via social media and professional networks and asked about demographic characteristics, sexual history and BV experiences. Outcomes of interest were the proportion who had heard of BV, had BV ever, or had BV after menopause. Factors associated with these outcomes were assessed using logistic regression. Results Of 906 participants, 83% were included in the analysis. Overall, 37.9% had heard of BV, 11.0% reported having a BV diagnosis ever, 6.3% reported having a BV diagnosis after menopause and 4.4% reported having a BV diagnosis only after menopause. Multivariable analysis found that among all women the odds of having a BV diagnosis after menopause were increased for those who had BV before menopause, had douched in the past 12months, or had a previous STI diagnosis. Among those in a sexual relationship, a BV diagnosis after menopause was associated with a BV diagnosis before menopause, or being in a sexual relationship of 5years or less in duration. About half who reported BV after menopause described recurrences, distress, and a detrimental effect on sexual relationships. Conclusions BV in postmenopausal women is associated with sexual activity, and impacts negatively on their lives. Research into BV should not be limited to reproductive age women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linde L Stewart
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Lenka A Vodstrcil
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Vic., Australia; and Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Jacqueline Coombe
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Vic., Australia; and Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Jane S Hocking
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bourchier L, Temple-Smith M, Hocking J, Bittleston H, Malta S. Engaging older Australians in sexual health research: SHAPE2 survey recruitment and sample. Sex Health 2024; 21:NULL. [PMID: 38071758 DOI: 10.1071/sh23116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual health research rarely includes older age groups and the sexual health needs of older Australians are not well understood. Older adults are online in increasing numbers; however, internet surveys involving samples of older adults and sensitive topics remain uncommon. In 2021, we developed an online survey to explore the sexual health needs of Australians aged 60+years. We describe here survey recruitment and sample obtained, comparing it with national population data (Australian Bureau of Statistics) and the sample of the similar 'Sex, Age and Me' study from 2015. METHODS We recruited 1470 people with a staggered three-phase strategy: (1) emails to organisations and community groups; (2) paid Facebook advertising; and (3) passive recruitment. Half (50.6%) found out about the study via an organisation or group and just over a third (35.7%) from Facebook. RESULTS The sample was equally balanced between men (49.9%) and women (49.7%) (0.4% other gender identities). Participants were aged 60-92years (median 69years) with all Australian States/Territories represented. Facebook recruits were younger, more likely to be working rather than retired, and more likely to live outside a major city, than those recruited by other means. CONCLUSIONS Using the recruitment methods described, we successfully obtained a diverse and fairly representative sample of older Australians within the constraints of a convenience sample and on a modest budget. This research sheds light on ways to engage an under-served demographic in sexual health research. Our experience shows that many older adults are amenable to recruitment for online sexual health surveys using the approaches outlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Bourchier
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Meredith Temple-Smith
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Jane Hocking
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Helen Bittleston
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Sue Malta
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gupta P, Fairley CK, Chen MY, Bradshaw CS, Fehler G, Plummer EL, Vodstrcil LA, Tran J, Aung ET, Chow EP. Increased syphilis testing and detection of late latent syphilis among women after switching from risk-based to opt-out testing strategy in an urban Australian sexual health clinic: a retrospective observational study. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 40:100875. [PMID: 38116502 PMCID: PMC10730308 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Background The Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) implemented an opt-out syphilis test for women in December 2017. We aimed to examine the differences in syphilis testing uptake and confirmed syphilis cases among women after switching from risk-based to opt-out testing strategies. Methods This was a retrospective study examining all women attending the MSHC for the first time in periods of risk-based testing (2015-2017) and opt-out testing (2018-2020). We calculated the proportion of women who tested for syphilis and the proportion of women with confirmed syphilis in each period. A chi-square test was performed to determine the differences in proportion between the risk-based testing and opt-out periods. Findings A total of 27,481 women (i.e. 13,059 in the risk-based testing period and 14,422 in the opt-out period) were included in the final analysis, and the mean age was 26.8 years (standard deviation = 6.9). The proportion of women who were tested for syphilis at their first consultation increased from 52.8% (6890/13,059) in the risk-based testing period to 67.4% (9725/14,422) in the opt-out period (p < 0.0001). Syphilis positivity did not differ between the two periods (0.48% [33/6890] vs 0.71% [69/9725], p = 0.061) but late latent causes increased from 36.4% [12/33] to 60.9% [42/69] (p = 0.033). Interpretation The opt-out testing strategy increased syphilis testing among women with increased detection of asymptomatic late latent syphilis. The opt-out syphilis testing strategy is beneficial in sexual health services. Health education and awareness may be required to improve syphilis testing uptake. Funding National Health and Medical Research Council.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Palak Gupta
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher K. Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marcus Y. Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catriona S. Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glenda Fehler
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Erica L. Plummer
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lenka A. Vodstrcil
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julien Tran
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ei T. Aung
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric P.F. Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Munari SC, Goller JL, Hellard ME, Hocking JS. Chlamydia prevention and management in Australia: reducing the burden of disease. Med J Aust 2022; 217:499-501. [PMID: 36335564 PMCID: PMC9828076 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
7
|
Increasing incidence rates of sexually transmitted infections from 2010 to 2019: an analysis of temporal trends by geographical regions and age groups from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:574. [PMID: 35754034 PMCID: PMC9233762 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07544-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background World Health Organization announced its goal of ending sexually transmitted infection (STI) epidemics by 2030. To provide a reference for tailored prevention strategies, we analyzed trends and differences in STIs by geographical regions and age groups from 1990 to 2019. Methods Annual number of new infections and age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) of syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes were recorded from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease study. We quantified the temporal trends of STIs by calculating changes in new infections and estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) of ASR. Results The ASRs of syphilis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes increased by 1.70% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.62–1.78%), 0.29% (95% CI 0.04–0.54%), 0.27% (95% CI 0.03–0.52%), and 0.40% (95% CI 0.36–0.44%) per year from 2010 to 2019 worldwide, respectively, while that of gonorrhea did not. The American regions had the greatest increase in ASR for syphilis (tropical Latin America: EAPC, 5.72; 95% CI 5.11–6.33), chlamydia (high-income North America: EAPC, 1.23; 95% CI 0.73–1.73), and gonorrhea (high-income North America: EAPC, 0.77; 95% CI 0.12–1.41). Additionally, southern sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia had the greatest increase in ASR for trichomoniasis (EAPC, 0.88; 95% CI 0.57–1.20) and genital herpes (EAPC, 1.44; 95% CI 0.83–2.06), respectively. In the most recent years, the population with the greatest incidence of syphilis tended to be younger globally (25–29 years in 2010 vs. 20–24 years in 2019) but older in North Africa and Middle East (20–24 year vs. 25–29 years); with chlamydia tended to be older in southern sub-Saharan Africa (25–29 years vs. 30–34 years) but younger in Australasia (40–44 years vs. 25–29 years); with genital herpes tended to be older in high-income North America (20–24 years vs. 25–29 years) and South Asia (25–29 years vs. 30–34 years). Conclusions Syphilis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes showed a trend of increasing ASR from 2010 to 2019. The differences in trends by geographical regions and age groups point to the need for more targeted prevention strategies in key regions and populations. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07544-7.
Collapse
|
8
|
Stewart LL, Vodstrcil LA, Coombe J, Bradshaw CS, Hocking JS. Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sex Health 2022; 19:17-26. [PMID: 35192453 DOI: 10.1071/sh21083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV), the most common cause of vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age, is associated with considerable reproductive and gynaecological sequelae and increases the risk of acquiring sexually transmissible infections including HIV. Although we understand the burden of BV in women of reproductive age, much less is known about the burden of BV in postmenopausal women. We undertook this systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of BV in postmenopausal women. The electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library were searched for English-language papers reporting on the prevalence of BV in postmenopausal women and published up until the end of July 2020. Search terms included: (prevalence OR survey OR proportion) AND 'bacterial vaginosis'. Meta-analysis was used to calculate pooled estimates of prevalence. We identified 2461 unique references and assessed 328 full-text articles for eligibility, with 13 studies included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of BV ranged from 2.0 to 57.1%, with a summary estimate of 16.93% (95% CI: 8.5-27.4; I 2 =97.9). There was considerable heterogeneity between studies and quality varied considerably. Further research is needed to provide a better understanding of the condition in postmenopausal women and understand its effect on their lives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linde L Stewart
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Lenka A Vodstrcil
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Vic., Australia; and Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Jacqueline Coombe
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Vic., Australia; and Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Jane S Hocking
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Vic., Australia
| |
Collapse
|