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Huda MN, Ahmed MU, Uddin MB, Hasan MK, Uddin J, Dune TM. Prevalence and Demographic, Socioeconomic, and Behavioral Risk Factors of Self-Reported Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among Ever-Married Women: Evidence from Nationally Representative Surveys in Bangladesh. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031906. [PMID: 35162926 PMCID: PMC8835257 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STI) symptoms (e.g., abnormal genital discharge and genital sores/ulcers) are a major public health concern in Bangladesh because the symptoms can indicate an STI and cause sexual and reproductive health complications in women of reproductive age. To our knowledge, no study examined the prevalence and risk factors of STI symptoms using a nationally representative sample. This study investigates the prevalence of STI symptoms among ever-married women in Bangladesh and the associations of STI symptoms with various demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral risk factors using the most recent available data (2007, 2011, and 2014) of the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys (BDHS). The BDHS employs a two-stage stratified sampling technique. The analytic sample comprised 41,777 women of reproductive age (15-49 years). Outcome variables included STI symptoms: abnormal genital discharge and genital sores/ulcers. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to find the adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval to assess the associations of outcome measures with explanatory variables. The study found that the prevalence of abnormal genital discharge and genital sores/ulcers among ever-married women aged 15-49 years was 10% and 6%, respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed that for women aged 25-34 years, those who used contraceptives and married earlier had an increased likelihood of STI symptoms. Furthermore, women from the wealthiest wealth quintile and couple's joint decision-making were less likely to have STI symptoms. Findings have implications for interventions efforts aiming to improve women's sexual and reproductive health in Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Nazmul Huda
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia;
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Independent University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Moin Uddin Ahmed
- Translation Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia;
- Institute of Health Economics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Bakhtiar Uddin
- School of Social Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia;
- Department of Economics, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Mymensingh 2220, Bangladesh
| | - Md Kamrul Hasan
- Bangladesh Institute of Social Research Trust, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh;
| | - Jalal Uddin
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1V7, Canada;
| | - Tinashe Moira Dune
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- Translation Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia;
- Diabetes, Metabolism and Obesity Translational Research Unit, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-4620-3655
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the general and sexual health of long-haul truck drivers in the United States. METHODS Drivers were recruited from company sites and truck stops in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi. A sample of 266 drivers was assessed for lifestyle activities; body mass index and blood pressure were measured, and biologic samples were taken for cholesterol, diabetes, and sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV testing. RESULTS The drivers in this study had higher levels of cholesterol and higher rates of smoking, obesity, and diabetes than the U.S average. STI/HIV infection rates were lower than the U.S. average. CONCLUSION Long-haul truck driving is a stressful occupation with few opportunities for healthy living. Stress reduction, wellness programs, and better food and exercise options at truck stops should be adopted for the benefit of truckers and the safety of the driving public.
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Tadesse E, Teshome M, Amsalu A, Shimelis T. Genital Chlamydia trachomatis Infection among Women of Reproductive Age Attending the Gynecology Clinic of Hawassa University Referral Hospital, Southern Ethiopia. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168580. [PMID: 28006003 PMCID: PMC5178988 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Urogenital infection with Chlamydia trachomatis(CT) is one of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) world-wide, especially in developing nations where routine laboratory diagnosis is unavailable. Little is known about the epidemiology of this infection in Ethiopia where other STIs are prevalent. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated factors of CT infection among women of reproductive age. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 322 consecutive women aged between 15–49 years at Hawassa University Referral Hospital from November 2014 to April 2015. Data on socio-demography and potential risk factors for genital infection were collected using structured questionnaires. Moreover, endocervical swabs were collected from all participants, screened for CT antigen using rapid immunochromatography assay, and cultured following the standard bacteriological method to isolate Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Result In this study, the overall prevalence of CT antigen and N. gonorrhoeae infection was 61(18.9%) and 1(0.31%), respectively. Women aged 15–24 years had the highest prevalence of CT infection (24.2%), followed by those aged 25–34 years (16.8%) and those aged 35–49 years (9.6%). CTinfection was associated with women who had unprotected sex within the last six months (aOR = 3.459; 95% CI = 1.459–8.222) and were sexually active for 6–10 years (aOR = 3.076; 95% CI = 1.152–8.209). None of the clinical symptoms and diagnoses was significantly associated with CT antigen positivity. Conclusions The high prevalence of genital CT infection in this study highlights the need for further large-scale studies on the general population. Thus, screening of women regardless of their symptoms should be in place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endale Tadesse
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Million Teshome
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Anteneh Amsalu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Techalew Shimelis
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
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Abstract
This paper examines the impact of three components of an HIV prevention program (mid-media, interpersonal communication, and project-run clinics) on consistent condom use by long distance truckers with paid and non-paid female partners in India. Data from 2,723 long distance truckers were analyzed using the propensity score matching approach. Based on utilization of services, the following categories of intervention exposure were derived: no exposure, exposure only to mid-media, exposure only to mid-media and interpersonal communication, exposure only to mid-media and project-run clinics, and exposure to all three intervention components. Compared to those who were not exposed to any intervention, exposure to mid-media alone increased consistent condom use with paid female partners by about ten percent. Exposure to mid-media and visits to project-run clinics increased consistent condom use with non-paid female partners by 26 %. These findings suggest that mid-media events and clinics were the most effective package of services to increase consistent condom use among the long distance truckers.
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Chowdhury ME, Alam N, Anwar I, Ahmed A, Saidel T, Mallick PS, Kelly R, Streatfield PK. Assessment of non-marital sexual behaviours of men in Bangladesh: a methodological experiment using a modified confidential ballot-box method. Int J STD AIDS 2012; 23:e13-7. [DOI: 10.1258/ijsa.2009.009157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed the effectiveness of a modified ballot-box method (MBBM) in eliciting non-marital sexual behaviours compared with face-to-face interview (FTFI). A cross-sectional survey collected data from men aged 18–49 years in Bangladesh using a multistage cluster sampling method. In total, 3499 and 3623 respondents were interviewed by MBBM and FTFI, respectively. In the MBBM, pre-recorded questions were administered using a portable audio-cassette player with two pairs of headphones used concurrently by the respondent and the interviewer. Overall, 18% of the respondents had non-marital sexual exposure in the past year. The MBBM elicited higher responses of non-marital sex (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1, 1.5) compared with FTFI. The interview methods did not, however, revealed significant differences in response to condom-use rates and the number of non-marital sexual partners. The MBBM is more effective than the FTFI method in eliciting higher responses rates of non-marital sexual contacts and may be recommended for reliable estimates of sexual behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Chowdhury
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh(ICDDR,B), Mohakhali
| | - N Alam
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh(ICDDR,B), Mohakhali
| | - I Anwar
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh(ICDDR,B), Mohakhali
| | - A Ahmed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh(ICDDR,B), Mohakhali
| | - T Saidel
- Family Health International(FHI), Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - P S Mallick
- Family Health International(FHI), Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - R Kelly
- Family Health International(FHI), Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - P K Streatfield
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh(ICDDR,B), Mohakhali
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Atilola GO, Akpa OM, Komolafe IOO. HIV/AIDS and the long-distance truck drivers in south-west Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey on the knowledge, attitude, risk behaviour and beliefs of truckers. J Infect Public Health 2010; 3:166-78. [PMID: 21126721 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2010.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2010] [Revised: 07/02/2010] [Accepted: 08/23/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES According to the last HIV surveillance survey conducted in 2008, the overall National HIV prevalence in Nigeria stands at 4.6%. Recent studies and estimates by UNAIDS/WHO show higher prevalences in some selected states in Nigeria. The focus of this study is to determine the prevalence, risk behaviour, attitude and knowledge of HIV among long-distance heavy-truckers from a cross-sectional survey conducted in the south-west Nigeria. METHODS Four major truck terminals (devoted to long-distance trips) in south western Nigeria were identified. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a total sample size of 451 truckers who consented to be interviewed. A questionnaire (in English, Hausa and Yoruba languages) for data collection on the socio-demographic, risk behaviour, attitude and knowledge of HIV from the truckers was also designed. The multiple logistic regressions analysis was used to assess the association between some selected variables and factors. RESULTS Only 164 (36.4%) participants out of the study population of 451 were tested for HIV (due to limited test facilities and consent) and the prevalence of HIV antibodies among the truckers was found to be 2.4% (4/164) with all the infected individuals being within 21-30 years of age. 309 (68.1%) of the respondents admitted that they were at risk of contracting HIV while a total of 249 (55.3%) admitted that they had more than one sexual partners. In addition, while 392 (86.9%) said it was important for them to know their HIV status, 88 (19.5%) said that they would commit suicide should they test positive for HIV. CONCLUSION Although the HIV prevalence rate observed among the tested participants (2.4%) was lower than the overall national prevalence (4.6%), the result calls for concern as it showed that the population of truckers is a potential high risk group in Nigeria. Also, the mobile nature of this high-risk group has made getting HIV/AIDS awareness messages across to them a difficult task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glory O Atilola
- Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer's University, P.M.B. 3005, Redemption City, Ogun State, Nigeria
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Huq M, Chawdhury FAH, Mitra DK, Islam MA, Salahuddin G, Das J, Rahman M. A pilot study on the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among clients of brothel-based female sex workers in Jessore, Bangladesh. Int J STD AIDS 2010; 21:300-1. [PMID: 20378907 DOI: 10.1258/ijsa.2009.008458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of bacterial sexually transmitted infections among clients of female sex workers (FSWs) was studied. A total of 156 condoms were collected from clients of 13 sex workers during three consecutive days. Condoms used by clients of FSWs were collected and DNA was extracted from the seminal fluid and used for the diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Trichomonas vaginalis by polymerase chain reaction. The prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis and T. vaginalis among clients of FSWs was 4.5% (7/156), 2.5% (4/156) and 7% (11/156), respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Huq
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
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Risk behaviour, sexually transmitted infections and HIV among long-distance truck drivers: a cross-sectional survey along national highways in India. AIDS 2008; 22 Suppl 5:S81-90. [PMID: 19098482 DOI: 10.1097/01.aids.0000343766.00573.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence and sexual behaviour of long-distance truckers on four national highway routes from a large, cross-sectional, national-level trucker survey in India. METHODS Seven trans-shipment locations covering the bulk of India's transport volume along four routes, north-west (NW), north-south (NS), north-east (NE) and south-east (SE) were identified as survey sites. A total of 2066 long-distance truckers were selected using a two-stage, time-location cluster sampling approach and, after consent, interviewed about their sexual behaviour. Urine and blood sample were tested for selected STIs. RESULTS Overall, HIV prevalence among truckers was found to be 4.6%, with prevalence highest on the SE route (6.8%) and lowest on the NS (2.4%). Positive HSV-2 serology, which was tested in a 10% subsample, was low along three routes, 10.0%, 12.8% and 6.7% for the NE, NS and NW, respectively, but 38.7% in the SE. The truckers from the SE were found to be more likely to have sex with paid partners than the NE route. Moreover, truckers who owned their trucks were more likely than those who did not use condoms consistently with paid partners, and truckers who drive trucks owned by their relatives/friends are more likely than others to have any STI. CONCLUSIONS Low self-risk perception for HIV (9.9%), low consistent condom use with non-paid partners (18.6%) and wives (3%), low reported exposure to any interventions (25.6%) and low levels of ever having taken an HIV test (16.5%) make truckers an important bridge population requiring strengthened interventions.
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Chen KT, Chen SC, Chiang CC, Li LH, Tang LH. Chlamydial infection among patients attending STD and genitourinary clinics in Taiwan. BMC Public Health 2007; 7:120. [PMID: 17593300 PMCID: PMC1914048 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-7-120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2006] [Accepted: 06/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The main objective of this study is to examine the epidemiology of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection amongst patients (473 men, 180 women) seen two hospitals in Taiwan. Methods Between July 2004 and June 2005, a total of 653 patients provided first-void urine samples for examination of CT using PCR assay. Results The overall prevalence of CT infection was 18.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 17.3–19.5). Prevalence for men and women were 16.7 % (95% CI 15.3–18.0%) and 22.8% (95% CI 17.5–28.1%), respectively. Age group-specific prevalence was 25.7% (95% CI 22.5–28.9%) in < 20 year olds, 23.5% (95% CI 20.3–26.7%) in 20–24 year olds, 22.3% (95% CI 18.9–25.7%) in 25–30 year olds, and 11.5% (95% CI 10.3–12.7%) in > 30 year olds. Independent risk factors for chlamydial infection included younger age (aged ≤ 30 years) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.44; 95% CI 1.52–3.84; p < 0.001), inconsistent condom use (AOR = 2.01; 95% CI 1.32–3.06; p < 0.001), being symptomatic (dysuria, urethral discharge) at the time of testing (AOR = 1.84; 95% CI 1.21–2.80; p < 0.001), and having N. gonorrhoeae infection (AOR = 3.82; 95% CI 2.20–6.58; p < 0.001). Conclusion Genital chlamydial infection is an important sexually transmitted disease in Taiwan. Young Taiwanese persons attending a STD clinic should be screened for CT infection and counselled on condom use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kow-Tong Chen
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng- Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shou-Chien Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, Tatung University, Tiapei, Taiwan
- Department of Family Medicine, Zhongxiao Branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Lan-Hui Li
- Taipei City STD Control Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Hui Tang
- Center for Disease Control, Department of Health, Taipei, Taiwan
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