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Maviso M. Prevalence and predictors of HIV testing among young men in Papua New Guinea: A cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306807. [PMID: 39141635 PMCID: PMC11324100 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306807] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV testing is an important component of HIV prevention and serves as a gateway to other HIV-related services. However, the uptake remains suboptimal among young people, particularly in highly prevalent settings such as Papua New Guinea (PNG). This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determine the predictors of HIV testing uptake among young men aged 15-24 years in PNG. METHODS The 2016-2018 PNG Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data was used. A total of 1,275 young men aged 15-24 years were included in the final analysis. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine independent predictors of HIV testing. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. All analyses were adjusted using survey weights to account for unequal sampling probabilities. RESULTS The overall prevalence of HIV testing among young men was 17.1% (95% CI: 15-19). Of those who were tested for HIV, about one-third (32.9%) had experienced a sexual debut at age <15 years, and 33.9% inconsistently used condoms during sex. In multivariable analysis, men aged 20-24 years (AOR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.00-2.31), who owned mobile phones (AOR 1.43, 95% CI: 1.00-2.55), who were aware that consistent condom use during sex can reduce HIV risk (AOR 2.18, 95% CI: 1.18-4.04), who had paid for sex (AOR 1.75, 95% CI: 1.01-5.83), and who had two or more sexual partners (AOR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.01-3.14) had increased odds of HIV testing. However, decreased odds of HIV testing were found among men who were never married (AOR 0.51, 95% CI: 0.29-0.88), lived in rural areas (AOR 0.54, 95% CI: 0.32-0.92), and consistently used condoms during sex (AOR 0.59, 95% CI: 0.34-1.01). CONCLUSION The findings show that HIV testing is low among young men in PNG. To increase HIV testing uptake among young men, it is crucial to implement comprehensive youth-friendly HIV/STI education and tailored sensitization programs and enable more accessible and affordable HIV testing services. Also, outreach and community-based testing programs for young men in rural and prioritized areas requiring urgent prevention interventions are feasible options in PNG.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKenzie Maviso
- Division of Public Health, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
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Miranda MNS, Pimentel V, Graça J, Seabra SG, Sebastião CS, Diniz A, Faria D, Teófilo E, Roxo F, Maltez F, Germano I, Oliveira J, Ferreira J, Poças J, Mansinho K, Mendão L, Gonçalves MJ, Mouro M, Marques N, Pacheco P, Proença P, Tavares R, Correia de Abreu R, Serrão R, Faria T, O. Martins MR, Gomes P, Abecasis AB, Pingarilho M. Sociodemographic, Clinical, and Behavioral Factors Associated with Sexual Transmitted Infection among HIV-1 Positive Migrants in Portugal: Are There Differences between Sexes? Pathogens 2024; 13:598. [PMID: 39057824 PMCID: PMC11280352 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13070598] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to occur at high levels. According to the WHO, each year there are an estimated 374 million new infections with syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. STIs are associated with an increased risk of acquiring HIV infection. Migrants are reportedly highly affected by STIs. OBJECTIVES This study aims to characterize factors associated with STIs in a population of HIV-positive migrants living in Portugal. METHODOLOGY This is a cross-sectional observational study of 265 newly diagnosed HIV-1 positive migrants, who were defined as individuals born outside Portugal. This group of people were part of the BESTHOPE study that was developed in 17 Portuguese hospitals between September 2014 and December 2019, and included information collected through sociodemographic and behavioral questionnaires filled in by the migrant patients, clinical questionnaires filled in by the clinicians and HIV-1 genomic sequences generated through resistance testing (Sanger sequencing). A multivariable statistical analysis was used to analyze the association between sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, HIV testing and sexual infections. RESULTS Most HIV-1 positive individuals included in the study were men (66.8%) and aged between 25 and 44 years old (59.9%). Men had a higher proportion of STIs when compared to women (40.4% vs. 14.0%) and the majority of men reported homosexual contacts (52.0%). Most men reported having had two or more occasional sexual partners in the previous year (88.8%) and 50.9% reported always using condoms with occasional partners, while 13.2% never used it. For regular partners, only 29.5% of the women reported using condoms, compared to 47.3% of men. Other risk behaviors for acquiring HIV, such as tattooing and performing invasive medical procedures, were more prevalent in men (38.0% and 46.2%, respectively), when compared to women (30.4% and 45.1% respectively) and 4.7% of men reported having already shared injectable materials, with no data for comparison in the case for women. Additionally, 23.9% of women reported having had a blood transfusion while only 10.3% of men reported having had this medical procedure. Meanwhile, 30.9% of the individuals reported having been diagnosed with some type of STI in the last 12 months. In addition, 43.3% of individuals that answered a question about hepatitis reported to be infected with hepatitis B, while 13.0% reported having hepatitis C infection. According to the multivariable analysis, the only transmission route was significantly associated with reports of previous STI infection: men who have sex with men (MSM) were 70% more likely to have been diagnosed with an STI in the past 12 months compared to the heterosexual route. CONCLUSION HIV-1 infected men were more likely to report previous STIs than women. On the other hand, most migrant women had a regular sexual partner and never or only sometimes used condoms. This somewhat discrepant findings suggest that gender inequalities may make women unable to negotiate safe sexual practices, resulting in increased susceptibility to infection. However, since migrant women report less STIs, we cannot exclude that these STIs may remain undiagnosed. The implementation of safer sex awareness campaigns for condom use and screening for STIs in women is crucial. On the other hand, health education campaigns for STI knowledge need to be implemented for both MSM and women and their partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mafalda N. S. Miranda
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.N.S.M.); (C.S.S.)
| | - Victor Pimentel
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.N.S.M.); (C.S.S.)
| | - Jacqueline Graça
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.N.S.M.); (C.S.S.)
| | - Sofia G. Seabra
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.N.S.M.); (C.S.S.)
| | - Cruz S. Sebastião
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.N.S.M.); (C.S.S.)
| | - António Diniz
- Unidade Imunodeficiência, Hospital Pulido Valente—Unidade Local de Saúde Santa Maria, 1769-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Domitília Faria
- Serviço de Medicina 3, Hospital de Portimão—Unidade Local de Saúde Algarve, 8500-338 Portimão, Portugal
| | - Eugénio Teófilo
- Serviço de Medicina 2.3, Hospital de Santo António dos Capuchos, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central—Unidade Local de Saúde de São José, 1169-050 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fausto Roxo
- Unidade de Doenças Infecciosas, Hospital de Santarém—Unidade Local de Saúde Lezíria, 2005-177 Santarém, Portugal
| | - Fernando Maltez
- Serviço de Doenças Infeciosas, Hospital Curry Cabral, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central—Unidade Local de Saúde São José, 1069-166 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-026 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Germano
- Serviço de Medicina 1.4, Hospital de São José, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central—Unidade Local de Saúde São José, 1150-199 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joaquim Oliveira
- Serviço de Prevenção e Controlo de Infeções e de Resistências aos Antimicrobianos—Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Ferreira
- Serviço de Medicina 2, Hospital de Faro—Unidade Local de Saúde Algarve, 8000-386 Faro, Portugal
| | - José Poças
- Serviço de Infeciologia, Centro Hospitalar de Setúbal—Unidade Local de Saúde Arrábida, 22910-446 Setúbal, Portugal
| | - Kamal Mansinho
- Serviço de Doenças Infeciosas, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, 1349-019 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luís Mendão
- Grupo de Ativistas em Tratamentos (GAT), 1000-228 Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Margarida Mouro
- Serviço de Infeciologia, Hospital de Aveiro, Centro Hospitalar Baixo Vouga, 3810-164 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Nuno Marques
- Serviço de Infeciologia, Hospital Garcia da Orta, 2805-267 Almada, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Pacheco
- Serviço de Infeciologia, Hospital Dr. Fernando da Fonseca, 2720-276 Amadora, Portugal
| | - Paula Proença
- Serviço de Infeciologia, Hospital de Faro—Unidade Local de Saúde Algarve, 8000-386 Faro, Portugal
| | - Raquel Tavares
- Serviço de Infeciologia, Hospital Beatriz Ângelo, 2674-514 Loures, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Correia de Abreu
- Serviço de Doenças Infeciosas, Hospital Pedro Hispano—Unidade de Local de Saúde de Matosinhos, 4464-513 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Rosário Serrão
- Serviço de Doenças Infeciosas, Unidade Local de Saúde de São João, 4202-451 Porto, Portugal
| | - Telo Faria
- Hospital José Joaquim Fernandes—Unidade Local de Saúde do Baixo Alentejo, 7801-849 Beja, Portugal
| | | | - M. Rosário O. Martins
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.N.S.M.); (C.S.S.)
| | - Perpétua Gomes
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular (LMCBM, SPC, ULSLO-HEM), 1349-019 Lisbon, Portugal
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Ana B. Abecasis
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.N.S.M.); (C.S.S.)
| | - Marta Pingarilho
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.N.S.M.); (C.S.S.)
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Ventura-Miranda MI, Alcaraz-Córdoba A, Alcaraz-Córdoba T, Molina-Torres G, Fernandez-Medina IM, Ruíz-Fernández MD. Adolescents' Perceptions of Sexuality: A Qualitative Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2757. [PMID: 37893831 PMCID: PMC10606393 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11202757] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescents have a greater risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which is a serious public health problem. Education is an effective strategy to improve adolescent sexual health outcomes. However, Spanish adolescents have a lack of sex education. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and opinions of a sample of adolescents regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Photovoice is a research method that uses the search for images of everyday events with the intention of bringing about social change. An exploratory, descriptive design was used with a qualitative approach based on the Photovoice methodology. The sample consisted of 26 high school and baccalaureate students of Almería (Spain) selected through a convenience sample. The age of the participants ranged from 14 to 17 years, with a mean age of 15.31 years. Two main categories were extracted from the data analysis: 'Towards a culture of preventing STIs and promoting healthy sexual practices' and 'Adolescents' needs from their perspective'. In conclusion, numerous changes take place at the biopsychosocial level during adolescence that imply a need to explore their sexuality in depth. A lack of knowledge and a carefree attitude during sexual initiation can increase the risk of developing STIs. The study's adolescents stated that they do not have adequate sex education to acquire sufficient knowledge about sexuality and sexual health, and therefore, request that the traditional format be modified in order to achieve better results.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Isabel Ventura-Miranda
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.I.V.-M.); (T.A.-C.); (G.M.-T.); (I.M.F.-M.); (M.D.R.-F.)
| | - Andrea Alcaraz-Córdoba
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.I.V.-M.); (T.A.-C.); (G.M.-T.); (I.M.F.-M.); (M.D.R.-F.)
- Distrito Sanitario Almería, Servicio Andaluz de Salud, 04009 Almería, Spain
| | - Tania Alcaraz-Córdoba
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.I.V.-M.); (T.A.-C.); (G.M.-T.); (I.M.F.-M.); (M.D.R.-F.)
- Distrito Sanitario Almería, Servicio Andaluz de Salud, 04009 Almería, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Molina-Torres
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.I.V.-M.); (T.A.-C.); (G.M.-T.); (I.M.F.-M.); (M.D.R.-F.)
| | - Isabel María Fernandez-Medina
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.I.V.-M.); (T.A.-C.); (G.M.-T.); (I.M.F.-M.); (M.D.R.-F.)
| | - María Dolores Ruíz-Fernández
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; (M.I.V.-M.); (T.A.-C.); (G.M.-T.); (I.M.F.-M.); (M.D.R.-F.)
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Providencia 7500912, Chile
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Huang F, Fairley CK, Lee DM, Rahman R, Ong JJ, Bradshaw CS, Chen MY, Phillips TR, Chow EPF. Factors Associated With Consenting to Receive an Automated Email Summary After a Sexual Health Clinic Visit. Sex Transm Dis 2023; 50:664-670. [PMID: 37432979 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001847] [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: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electronic health records allow for inexpensive communication with patients. In March 2021, the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre implemented an automated email summary ("Sexual Health Automated Visit Email" [SHAVE]) of a client's visit. This study evaluates the proportion of attendees at a sexual health service who opted in or out of SHAVE. METHODS This study was conducted at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre in Australia between March 2021 and June 2022. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine the client characteristics associated with consenting to SHAVE. RESULTS There were 18,528 clients (men, 12,700; women, 5828) included in the final analysis and 55.2% (n = 10,233) consented to receiving SHAVE. Comparing with those who did not have a new sexually transmitted infection diagnosis, clients with a new diagnosis of a sexually transmitted infection, but not HIV, had lower odds of consenting to receiving SHAVE (chlamydia: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.64 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.57-0.72]; gonorrhea: aOR, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.62-0.82]; syphilis: aOR, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.59-0.96]). Men had lower odds of consenting when compared with women (men who have sex with women only: aOR, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.71-0.84]; men who have sex with men: aOR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.62-0.75]). Comparing with those born in Australia or Oceania, clients born in Europe had lower odds of consenting (aOR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.70-0.94), whereas those born in Latin America or Caribbean had higher odds of consenting (aOR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.04-1.51). CONCLUSIONS Email summaries may serve as a valuable strategy to improve health communication and record keeping for clients. Understanding the client characteristics associated with consenting SHAVE will allow for the implementation of strategies to better communicate with clients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David M Lee
- From the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health
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Ghasemian E, Harding-Esch E, Mabey D, Holland MJ. When Bacteria and Viruses Collide: A Tale of Chlamydia trachomatis and Sexually Transmitted Viruses. Viruses 2023; 15:1954. [PMID: 37766360 PMCID: PMC10536055 DOI: 10.3390/v15091954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The global incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remains high, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that over 1 million people acquire STIs daily. STIs can lead to infertility, pregnancy complications, and cancers. Co-infections with multiple pathogens are prevalent among individuals with an STI and can lead to heightened infectivity and more severe clinical manifestations. Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is the most reported bacterial STI worldwide in both men and women, and several studies have demonstrated co-infection of CT with viral and other bacterial STIs. CT is a gram-negative bacterium with a unique biphasic developmental cycle including infectious extracellular elementary bodies (EBs) and metabolically active intracellular reticulate bodies (RBs). The intracellular form of this organism, RBs, has evolved mechanisms to persist for long periods within host epithelial cells in a viable but non-cultivable state. The co-infections of CT with the most frequently reported sexually transmitted viruses: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV) have been investigated through in vitro and in vivo studies. These research studies have made significant strides in unraveling the intricate interactions between CT, these viral STIs, and their eukaryotic host. In this review, we present an overview of the epidemiology of these co-infections, while specifically delineating the underlying mechanisms by which CT influences the transmission and infection dynamics of HIV and HSV. Furthermore, we explore the intricate relationship between CT and HPV infection, with a particular emphasis on the heightened risk of cervical cancer. By consolidating the current body of knowledge, we provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics and implications of co-infection involving CT and sexually transmitted viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Ghasemian
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (E.H.-E.); (D.M.); (M.J.H.)
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Gravett RM, Marrazzo J. An Ulcer by Any Other Name. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2023; 37:369-380. [PMID: 37005160 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2023.02.005] [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: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The myriad presentations of ulcerative sexually transmitted infections, other than genital herpes and syphilis, challenge even the most astute clinician given the considerable overlap in clinical presentation and lack of widely available diagnostic resources, such as nucleic acid testing, to confirm the diagnosis. Even so, case prevalence is relatively low, and incidence of chancroid and granuloma inguinale are declining. These diseases still cause substantial morbidity and increased chance for HIV acquisition, and with the recent advent of mpox as a cause, it remains imperative to identify and treat accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie M Gravett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, THT 215, 1900 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Jeanne Marrazzo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, THT 215, 1900 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Okeke SR. "It was protected, except, it wasn't [with] a condom": a mixed-methods study of BBVs/STIs protective practices among International University Students in Sydney, Australia. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2168. [PMID: 36434571 PMCID: PMC9700902 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14512-y] [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: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of previous sex-related studies among international students in Australia and other Western societies may be limited by conflating students from conservative and non-conservative sexual backgrounds. Such conflation leads to situations where nuances and complexities around sex-related experiences are lost or, at most, tangentially investigated. To address this research problem, this study used a mixed-methods design to examine protective practices against blood-borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections (BBVs/STIs) among Sydney-based East Asian and sub-Saharan African international students. METHODS This mixed-methods study generated quantitative data using anonymous online survey (n = 149), and qualitative data through in-depth interviews (n = 20). The main recruitment strategy involved advertising the study through paper and electronic flyers. Quantitative data were analysed using logistic regression, while interviews data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Self-reported BBVs/STIs protective practices in the last 12 months include abstinence (28.7%), consistent condom use (19.9%), occasional condom use (18.7%), single partner fidelity (25.1%), other strategies (1.8%), and nothing (5.8%). Further, findings from the bivariate analysis showed higher BBVs/STIs prevention knowledge, lower acculturation into Australian sexual culture, greater access to sexual health information, less conservative sexual norms, greater emotional social support and older age were significantly associated with increased protective practices. Variables significant at bivariate level were entered into a logistic regression. The model was statistically significant, (X2(6) = 31.33, p < 0.01) and explained 33.1% of the variance in BBVs/STIs protective practices. However, only acculturation to sexual norms in Australia (OR = 0.883, 95% CI = 0.820-0.952) was found to be independent predictor of BBVs/STIs protective practices. The results of the study based on the quantitative data, indicated condom use (consistent and occasional) was the most reported BBVs/STIs protective behaviour among sexually active participants. Therefore, interviews data was used to explore condom-use motives and practices. The interviews results showed participants primary concern as regards condom use was around pregnancy and not BBVs/STIs. Thus, some participants described safe sex largely as contraception, with BBVs/STIs constituting a secondary concern or no concern at all. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results of this study, tailored sexual health interventions for international students; which incorporate strategies for modifying perceived sexual norms in Australia, are advocated. In addition, this study recommends sexual health interventions that promote dual protection of condoms for both contraception and BBVs/STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvester Reuben Okeke
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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8
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Liga AD, Jabir YN, Wobse BA, Bacha RH. Predictors of Multiple Sexual Partners among Men in Ethiopia: A Multilevel Analysis. Ethiop J Health Sci 2022; 32:689-698. [PMID: 35950063 PMCID: PMC9341023 DOI: 10.4314/ejhs.v32i4.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple sexual partnerships were one of the public health issues in the spread of high rates of sexually transmitted infections in sub-Saharan regions. An increase in the number of non-marital sexual partners can lead to a loss of satisfaction as well as other mental health repercussions such as greater rates of anxiety, depression, etc. This study examined the predictors of multiple sexual partners among men in Ethiopia. Methods This study used 2016 nationally representative data which was conducted using a multistage stratified cluster sampling method. Multilevel binary logistic regression models were employed to estimate the predictors of multiple sexual partners among men in Ethiopia with the assistance of the STATA software. Results In this study 6778 participants were considered with an overall prevalence rate of multiple sexual partners of 6.5% during the 12 months preceding the survey. The findings showed that older-age, urban-resident, inconsistent use of a condom, exposure to any media, abuse of alcohol, early-time first-sex, and religion were predictors of multiple sexual partners among men in Ethiopia. Conclusions The findings revealed that the prevalence rate of men's multiple sexual partners in Ethiopia was very high. Therefore, the country needs to re-examine the behavioral change strategies periodically to adapt to the contextual realities and engage relevant stakeholders. Specifically, health sectors and religious organizations should develop strategies to create awareness in society on the risk of having multiple sexual partnerships. In addition, we highly recommend stakeholders prepare risk reduction interventions that take the significant predictors of multiple sexual partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abebe Debu Liga
- Department of Statistics, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Wolkite University, Ethiopia
| | - Yasin Negash Jabir
- Department of Statistics, College of Natural Science, Jimma University, Ethiopia
| | - Belete Adelo Wobse
- Department of Statistics, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Wolkite University, Ethiopia
| | - Reta Habtamu Bacha
- Department of Statistics, College of Natural Science, Jimma University, Ethiopia
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Gravett RM, Marrazzo J. What’s Old Is New: the Evolution of Lymphogranuloma Venereum Proctitis in Persons Living with HIV. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11908-022-00781-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Salmerón-Béliz OJ, Pérez-Fernández E, Miró O, Salido-Mota M, Diez-Diez V, Gil-Mosquera M, Robert-Boter N, Arranz-Betegón M, Navarro-Bustos C, Guardiola-Tey JM, González-Del-Castillo J. Evaluation of emergency department visits prior to an HIV diagnosis: Missed opportunities. ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA (ENGLISH ED.) 2022:S2529-993X(22)00128-9. [PMID: 35659772 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2021.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is a high rate of occult infection and late diagnosis in HIV. Hospital emergency departments (ED) are an important point of health care. The present work aims to know the number of missed opportunities for HIV diagnosis occurring in the ED. METHOD Retrospective multicenter cohort study that included all patients diagnosed with HIV infection in 2019 in 27 Spanish hospitals in 7 different autonomous communities. All ED consultation episodes in the 5 years prior to diagnosis were reviewed to find out the reason for consultation and whether this represented a missed opportunity for HIV diagnosis. RESULT Seven hundred twenty-three patients were included, and 352 (48.7%, 95%CI: 45.1%-52.3%) had at least one ED visit during the 5 years prior to diagnosis (median 2, p25-p75: 1-4). One hundred and eighteen patients (16.3%, 95%CI: 13.8%-19.2%) had a missed diagnostic opportunity. The main consultations were drug use [145 (15%)], sexually transmitted infections [91 (9.4%)] and request for post-exposure HIV prophylaxis [39 (4%)]. One hundred and fifty-five (42.9%) of the 352 had less than 350 CD4/mm3 when the HIV diagnosis was established. In patients with previous ED visits, the mean time to diagnosis from this visit was 580 (SD 647) days. CONCLUSIONS Sixteen percent of patients diagnosed with HIV missed the opportunity to be diagnosed in the 5 years prior to diagnosis, highlighting the need to implement ED screening measures different from current ones to improve these outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elia Pérez-Fernández
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Miró
- Área de Urgencias, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Verónica Diez-Diez
- Servicio de Urgencias, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Neus Robert-Boter
- Servicio de Urgencias, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
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11
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de Lazzari E, Martínez-Mimbrero A, Chivite I, González-Cordón A, Mosquera MM, Laguno M, Costa J, Bosch J, Blanco JL, Álvarez-Martinez M, Ugarte A, Inciarte A, de la Mora L, Torres B, Martínez-Rebollar M, Ambrosioni J, Fernaández E, Hurtado JC, Mallolas J, Miró JM, Marcos MA, Martínez E. Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 epidemics on prevention and care for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. AIDS 2022; 36:829-838. [PMID: 35013084 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemics on the prevention and care for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections at a major reference centre providing preventive and clinical services in Catalonia, Spain. DESIGN We retrospectively compared anonymized clinical and laboratory data from March to December 2020 vs. 2019. METHODS Monthly clinical data on HIV preexposure and postexposure prophylaxis users and on adults with HIV infection were retrieved from the administrative hospital database. Monthly tests for HIV, hepatitis B and C, Treponema pallidum, Neisseria gonorrhoeae,and Chlamydia trachomatis, and plasma lipids and glucose were recovered from the laboratory database. RESULTS There were less (↓28%, P = 0.003) but more advanced (mean CD4+ cells/μl 305 vs. 370, P < 0.001) HIV infections and more gonorrhoea (↑39%, P < 0.001) and chlamydia (↑37%, P < 0.001) infections in 2020 vs. 2019. In people with HIV, rates of HIV RNA less than 50 copies/ml remained stable (11 vs. 11%, P = 0.147) despite less scheduled visits (↓25%, P < 0.001). However, they had less antiretroviral prescription changes (↓10%, P = 0.018), worse plasma lipids [mean total cholesterol 190 vs. 185 mg/dl, P < 0.001;mean low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol 114 vs. 110 mg/dl, P < 0.001; mean triglycerides 136 vs. 125 mg/dl, P < 0.001; mean high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol 47 vs. 48 mg/dl, P = 006], and an excess of mortality (↑264%, P = 0.006) due in great part not only to COVID-19 but also to other causes. CONCLUSION In our setting, COVID-19 epidemics was associated with an increase in some prevalent sexually transmitted infections, with less but more advanced HIV infections, and with worse nonvirologic healthcare outcomes and higher mortality in people living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa de Lazzari
- Department of Infectious Diseases, HIV Unit, Hospital Clinic
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)
- University of Barcelona
| | | | - Iván Chivite
- Department of Infectious Diseases, HIV Unit, Hospital Clinic
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)
- University of Barcelona
| | - Ana González-Cordón
- Department of Infectious Diseases, HIV Unit, Hospital Clinic
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)
- University of Barcelona
| | - Maria M Mosquera
- University of Barcelona
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Clinic
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Laguno
- Department of Infectious Diseases, HIV Unit, Hospital Clinic
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)
- University of Barcelona
| | - Josep Costa
- University of Barcelona
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Clinic
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Bosch
- University of Barcelona
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Clinic
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose L Blanco
- Department of Infectious Diseases, HIV Unit, Hospital Clinic
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)
- University of Barcelona
| | - Miriam Álvarez-Martinez
- University of Barcelona
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Clinic
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ainoa Ugarte
- Department of Infectious Diseases, HIV Unit, Hospital Clinic
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)
- University of Barcelona
| | - Alexy Inciarte
- Department of Infectious Diseases, HIV Unit, Hospital Clinic
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)
- University of Barcelona
| | - Lorena de la Mora
- Department of Infectious Diseases, HIV Unit, Hospital Clinic
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)
- University of Barcelona
| | - Berta Torres
- Department of Infectious Diseases, HIV Unit, Hospital Clinic
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)
- University of Barcelona
| | - Maria Martínez-Rebollar
- Department of Infectious Diseases, HIV Unit, Hospital Clinic
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)
- University of Barcelona
| | - Juan Ambrosioni
- Department of Infectious Diseases, HIV Unit, Hospital Clinic
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)
- University of Barcelona
| | - Emma Fernaández
- Department of Infectious Diseases, HIV Unit, Hospital Clinic
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)
- University of Barcelona
| | - Juan Carlos Hurtado
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Clinic
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Mallolas
- Department of Infectious Diseases, HIV Unit, Hospital Clinic
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)
- University of Barcelona
| | - José M Miró
- Department of Infectious Diseases, HIV Unit, Hospital Clinic
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)
- University of Barcelona
| | - María A Marcos
- University of Barcelona
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Clinic
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esteban Martínez
- Department of Infectious Diseases, HIV Unit, Hospital Clinic
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)
- University of Barcelona
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12
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Evaluación de las visitas a urgencias previas a un diagnóstico de VIH: oportunidades perdidas. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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13
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Sentís A, Montoro-Fernandez M, Lopez-Corbeto E, Egea-Cortés L, Nomah DK, Díaz Y, Garcia de Olalla P, Mercuriali L, Borrell N, Reyes-Urueña J, Casabona J. STI epidemic re-emergence, socio-epidemiological clusters characterisation and HIV coinfection in Catalonia, Spain, during 2017-2019: a retrospective population-based cohort study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e052817. [PMID: 34903544 PMCID: PMC8672020 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), identify and characterise socio-epidemiological clusters and determine factors associated with HIV coinfection. DESIGN Retrospective population-based cohort. SETTING Catalonia, Spain. PARTICIPANTS 42 283 confirmed syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and lymphogranuloma venereum cases, among 34 600 individuals, reported to the Catalan HIV/STI Registry in 2017-2019. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES Descriptive analysis of confirmed STI cases and incidence rates. Factors associated with HIV coinfection were determined using logistic regression. We identified and characterized socio-epidemiological STI clusters by Basic Health Area (BHA) using K-means clustering. RESULTS The incidence rate of STIs increased by 91.3% from 128.2 to 248.9 cases per 100 000 population between 2017 and 2019 (p<0.001), primarily driven by increase among women (132%) and individuals below 30 years old (125%). During 2017-2019, 50.1% of STIs were chlamydia and 31.6% gonorrhoea. Reinfections accounted for 10.8% of all cases and 6% of cases affected HIV-positive individuals. Factors associated with the greatest likelihood of HIV coinfection were male sex (adjusted OR (aOR) 23.69; 95% CI 16.67 to 35.13), age 30-39 years (versus <20 years, aOR 18.58; 95% CI 8.56 to 52.13), having 5-7 STI episodes (vs 1 episode, aOR 5.96; 95% CI 4.26 to 8.24) and living in urban areas (aOR 1.32; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.69). Living in the most deprived BHAs (aOR 0.60; 95% CI 0.50 to 0.72) was associated with the least likelihood of HIV coinfection. K-means clustering identified three distinct clusters, showing that young women in rural and more deprived areas were more affected by chlamydia, while men who have sex with men in urban and less deprived areas showed higher rates of STI incidence, multiple STI episodes and HIV coinfection. CONCLUSIONS We recommend socio-epidemiological identification and characterisation of STI clusters and factors associated with HIV coinfection to identify at-risk populations at a small health area level to design effective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Sentís
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies of Sexually Transmitted Disease and AIDS in Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Department of Health, Generalitat of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- Epidemiology Department, Epiconcept, Paris, France
| | - Marcos Montoro-Fernandez
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies of Sexually Transmitted Disease and AIDS in Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Department of Health, Generalitat of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
- Fundació Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | - Evelin Lopez-Corbeto
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies of Sexually Transmitted Disease and AIDS in Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Department of Health, Generalitat of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
- Fundació Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laia Egea-Cortés
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies of Sexually Transmitted Disease and AIDS in Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Department of Health, Generalitat of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
- Fundació Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | - Daniel K Nomah
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies of Sexually Transmitted Disease and AIDS in Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Department of Health, Generalitat of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Preventive Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yesika Díaz
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies of Sexually Transmitted Disease and AIDS in Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Department of Health, Generalitat of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
- Fundació Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | - Patricia Garcia de Olalla
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Epidemiology Service, Public Health Agency of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lilas Mercuriali
- Epidemiology Service, Public Health Agency of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Borrell
- Epidemiological Surveillance and Response to Public Health Emergencies Service in Tarragona, Agency of Public Health of Catalonia, Generalitat of Catalonia, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Juliana Reyes-Urueña
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies of Sexually Transmitted Disease and AIDS in Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Department of Health, Generalitat of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
- Fundació Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Casabona
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies of Sexually Transmitted Disease and AIDS in Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Department of Health, Generalitat of Catalonia, Badalona, Spain
- Fundació Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Preventive Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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14
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Cuesta Chasco G, Carreras-Castañer X, Zboromyrska Y, Pitart C, Palma-Carvajal F, Bosch J, Figueroa-Vercellino JP. Adult gonococcal conjunctivitis: Prevalence, clinical features and complications. J Med Microbiol 2021; 70. [PMID: 34494952 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease whose incidence has increased in recent years and adult gonococcal conjunctivitis (AGC) is a relatively uncommon complication.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. AGC is associated with increased incidence of genital gonorrhoea and must be treated correctly to avoid serious corneal complications.Aims. To report the prevalence, clinical features, and complications of AGC in a tertiary ophthalmology centre in Barcelona, Spain. Present epidemiological data, clinical features, ocular complications, and antibiotic susceptibility. Design: Single-centre, descriptive, retrospective case series.Methodology. Systematic case-defined search in medical records and further retrospective chart review study of microbiologically confirmed AGC attending outpatient clinic and/or emergency room from 2012 to 2020. We analysed the clinical presentation, treatments, antibiotic susceptibility, complications and ocular sequelae.Results. Thirteen patients were diagnosed of AGC. Eleven patients had unilateral presentation. Two patients had bilateral presentation. In ten cases there was abundant mucopurulent discharge, three cases presented periocular pain and periocular inflammation requiring a CT scan to rule out post-septal cellulitis. The diagnosis was confirmed by culture. In total, 100 % of strains were susceptible to ceftriaxone, 58 % were ciprofloxacin resistant and no beta-lactamase production was detected. Three patients required hospital admission. One patient developed a complication presenting with ptosis caused by superior symblepharon.Conclusion. AGC is a rare disease which is difficult to diagnose as it requires a high index of suspicion to prevent corneal perforation but in an important number of cases it may mimic orbital cellulitis. It is crucial that treatment starts as soon as possible to avoid serious corneal damage. Patients should promptly receive complete and correct treatment when admitted to the emergency room since an elevated number of patients do not attend their medical follow-up visit. Azithromycin or aminoglycoside eye drops are probably the best option to complete the treatment, due to high quinolone resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Cristina Pitart
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Jordi Bosch
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Masanja V, Wafula ST, Ssekamatte T, Isunju JB, Mugambe RK, Van Hal G. Trends and correlates of sexually transmitted infections among sexually active Ugandan female youths: evidence from three demographic and health surveys, 2006-2016. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:59. [PMID: 33435882 PMCID: PMC7805221 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05732-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female adolescents and young women have the highest risk of curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) globally. Data on the prevalence of STIs among young women in Uganda are limited. In this study, we investigated the time trends and correlates of STIs among adolescent girls and young women (15-24 years) in Uganda. METHODS We estimated the percentage of women 15-24 years from three recent consecutive Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys (2006, 2011, and 2016), who reported suffering from genital sores, and or genital discharge or any other varginal complaints acquired after sexual intercourse within 12 months of the studies and examined the changes over time. A pooled multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the correlates of reporting an STI in the last 12 months preceding the study. Svyset command in Stata was used to cater for the survey sample design. RESULTS The pooled self-reported STI prevalence was 26.0%. Among these young women, 22.0, 36.3, and 23.1% reported a sexually transmitted infection in 2006, 2011, and 2016 respectively. Between 2006 and 2011, there was evidence of change (+ 14.3%, p < 0.001) in STI prevalence before a significant reduction (- 12.0%, p< 0.001) in 2016. Youths aged 20-24 years reported a higher STI prevalence (27.3%) compared to young participants (23.6%). Correlates of reporting an STI among rural and urban young women were: having multiple total lifetime partners (adjusted odds ratio (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.4-1.6), being sexually active in the last 4 weeks (aOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6), and being affiliated to Muslim faith (aOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6) or other religions (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-2.9) as compared to Christian were more likely to report an STI. Living in Northern Uganda compared to living in Kampala city was found protective against STIs (aOR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.7). CONCLUSION The prevalence of STIs was high among female youths, 15-24 years. This highlights the need for a comprehensive STIs screening, surveillance, and treatment programme to potentially reduce the burden of STIs in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronicah Masanja
- Department of Epidemiology and social medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Solomon Tsebeni Wafula
- Department of Epidemiology and social medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Tonny Ssekamatte
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John Bosco Isunju
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard K Mugambe
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Guido Van Hal
- Department of Epidemiology and social medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Multiple sexual partnerships and associated factors among young psychoactive-substance-users in informal settlements in Kampala, Uganda. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239323. [PMID: 33021998 PMCID: PMC7537871 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sexual partnerships increase the risk of transmission of HIV and can be exacerbated by substance abuse. However, the association between psychoactive substance use and multiple sexual partnerships among young people in informal settlements of low-income countries is not well known. This study established the prevalence of multiple sexual partnerships and associated factors among young psychoactive-substance-users in informal settlements in Kampala, Uganda. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study involving 744 young (aged 18-24 years), sexually active, psychoactive substance-users selected from 12 of the 57 informal settlements of Kampala City. The prevalence of multiple sexual partnerships and their differential distribution by socio-demographic strata was established. Modified Poisson regression models were run in Stata 14 software to generate prevalence rate ratios for the factors associated with multiple sexual partnerships. RESULTS About 40.6% (37.9% of males and 50.0% of females) had engaged in multiple sexual partnerships in the last 30 days. Engaging in multiple sexual partnerships in the last 30 days was positively associated with being female (PR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.03-1.63); staying in the informal settlement for 6-10 years (PR 1.34, 95% CI: 1.02-1.75) and chewing khat in the last 30 days (PR 1.93, 95% CI: 1.10-3.40). CONCLUSION Multiple sexual partnerships are highly prevalent among young psychoactive-substance-users, irrespective of the socio-demographic strata. Being female, having lived in the informal settlement for 6-10 years, and chewing khat were significantly associated with having multiple sexual partners in the last 30 days. In tackling this high-risk sexual behaviour, it is recommended that risk-reduction interventions are considered for the different socio-demographic strata identified in this study, i.e. females, those who have lived in the informal settlement for about 6-10 years, and those who chew khat.
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17
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Clinical presentation of asymptomatic and symptomatic women who tested positive for genital gonorrhoea at a sexual health service in Melbourne, Australia. Epidemiol Infect 2020; 148:e240. [PMID: 32985394 PMCID: PMC7584007 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268820002265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonorrhoea cases in women have been rising in Australia in the 2010s but the cause of the increase is not well understood. This cross-sectional study aimed to describe the characteristics of genital gonorrhoea infection in women attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Australia. Gonorrhoea cases were diagnosed by nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) and/or culture. Genitourinary specimens were obtained in 12 869 clinic visits in women aged 16 years or above between August 2017 and August 2018. Genital gonorrhoea was detected in 142 (1.1%) of the visits. Almost half of the cases were asymptomatic, 47.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) 39.8–56.1%]; yellow, green or pus-like vaginal discharge was present in 11.3% (95% CI 7.0–17.6%) and other genital symptoms in 40.8% (95% CI 33.1–49.1%) of the cases. The mean time between last sexual contact and onset of symptoms was 7.3 days and between the onset of symptoms to presentation to the clinic was 12.1 days. Half of the cases of genital gonorrhoea among women are asymptomatic and these cases would have been missed by testing of only symptomatic women. Further epidemiological and behavioural research is required to understand the temporal changes in sexual practices among women in Australia.
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18
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Chen D, Luo G, Meng X, Wang Z, Cao B, Yuan T, Xie Y, Hu T, Chen Y, Ke W, Wang Z, Sun C, Deng K, Cai Y, Zhang K, Zou H. Efficacy of HIV interventions among factory workers in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1310. [PMID: 32859178 PMCID: PMC7455896 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09333-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Factory workers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are vulnerable to HIV transmission. Interventions are needed to prevent HIV in this population. We systematically reviewed published literature on the efficacy of various HIV interventions in reducing stigma, risk behaviors and HIV transmission among factory workers. Methods A systematic review was performed using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Four databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus and EMBASE) were searched for relevant publications between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 2018. Two independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality of studies. Results Thirteen articles were included, with 2 randomized controlled trials and 11 cohort studies. Five interventions and their combinations were summarized. Educational intervention increased condom use and reduced the use of recreational drugs and alcohol before sex. Community intervention that proactively provide HIV counselling and testing (HCT) services could increase the detection rate of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Lottery intervention increased HCT uptake and decreased HIV public stigma. Education combined with community intervention reduced the proportion of workers with casual sex and enhanced HIV knowledge. Peer education combined with community intervention increased the proportion of workers who were willing to take their partners to HCT. Policy intervention combined with peer education enhanced HIV knowledge, perceived condom accessibility and condom use with regular partners. Conclusions Various interventions improved HIV knowledge, decreased HIV stigma and reduced HIV-related risk behaviors among factory workers in LMICs. The combination of multiple interventions tended to achieve better efficacy than a single intervention. Persistent combination interventions are essential to address HIV in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahui Chen
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Ganfeng Luo
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xiaojun Meng
- Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Zixin Wang
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Bolin Cao
- School of Media and Communication, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Tanwei Yuan
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yu Xie
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Tian Hu
- Longhua District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yaqi Chen
- Longhua District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Wujian Ke
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Caijun Sun
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Kai Deng
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yong Cai
- Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Kechun Zhang
- Longhua District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China. .,Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Risk Factors Among Young People in a Public Health Center in Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2020; 33:354-362. [PMID: 32087400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2020.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexually transmitted infections (STI) significantly affect the health of sexually active people, especially young people, and can cause low sexual dysfunction, low self-esteem, infertility, increased transmission of HIV, and death. METHODS We reviewed the medical records of a cross-section of users of a public health services center and verified the prevalence of STI and its associated predictors for male and female individuals 13-24 years of age in an interior county of southern Brazil. RESULTS The records of 1703 adolescents and young adults, stratified by age (13-18 and 19-24 years, respectively) and sex, admitted between April 1, 2012, and March 31, 2017, were reviewed in this retrospective study. Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data of medical records were analyzed using the chi-square test and odds ratio, with confidence interval of 95% by the Stata® 9.0 program. During the study period, a total of 3448 patients were attended to; of these, 1703 (49.39%) were 13-24 years of age, with 86.56% of those 19-24 years having at least 1 STI. The prevalence of STI among men and women, respectively, was 35.40% and 47.67% for condylomata, 8.46% and 7.00% for herpes, 26.35% and 18.80% for syphilis, and 20.06% and 6.27% for urethral discharge syndrome. The risk for STI acquisition was the highest in young adults (odds ratio [OR] 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-2.06, P = .002), female individuals (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.14-2.00, P = .004), those with multiple sexual partners (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.22-2.16, P < .001), and those not using or irregularly using prophylactics (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.22-2.16, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The findings revealed a significant prevalence of STI among young people in public health service. The predictors associated with STI in these patients were being female, having multiple partners in the last year, and not using or irregularly using prophylactics. These predictors confirm the necessity to implement more aggressive strategies to prevent the occurrence of STI in specific populations with higher disease risk, thereby minimizing costs and damage caused by the infections.
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Molnar A, Iancu M, Radu R, Borzan CM. A Joinpoint Regression Analysis of Syphilis and Gonorrhea Incidence in 15-19-Year Old Adolescents between 2005 and 2017: A Regional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17155385. [PMID: 32726916 PMCID: PMC7432243 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Surveillance of syphilis and gonorrhea in Romania is case-based and makes use of European case definitions. Adolescence is a period characterized by vulnerabilities and opportunities, a period when health decisions, including those related to sexually transmitted infections, may have a lifetime impact. The present study investigates the trends recorded in the incidence of syphilis and gonorrhea in 15-19 year-old adolescents in the central and northwestern regions of Romania. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted and this included surveillance data for syphilis and gonorrhea in the period 2005-2017 (n = 939). The distribution of demographic and epidemiological variables in adolescents with syphilis and gonorrhea was evaluated, as well as the tendency of the incidence of syphilis and gonorrhea in the studied population. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to characterize the incidence trend for syphilis and gonorrhea. Results: Between 2005 and 2017, 773 cases of syphilis and 166 cases of gonorrhea were reported. The incidence of syphilis and gonorrhea decreased. Most cases of syphilis have been found out by active detection. Most cases of gonorrhea have been found out by passive detection. The age distribution in the group diagnosed with syphilis was similar to that in the group diagnosed with gonorrhea. There was a higher frequency of syphilis in females and gonorrhea was more common in males. Syphilis was more common in rural areas. Gonorrhea was more common in urban areas. Conclusions: There was a decreasing tendency in the incidence of syphilis and gonorrhea in adolescents aged 15-19 during the studied period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria Molnar
- National Institute of Public Health, Regional Center of Public Health Cluj, Louis Pasteur Str., no. 6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.M.); (R.R.)
- Department of Public Health, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Avram Iancu Str., no. 31, 400083 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Mihaela Iancu
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Louis Pasteur Str., no. 6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Rodica Radu
- National Institute of Public Health, Regional Center of Public Health Cluj, Louis Pasteur Str., no. 6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.M.); (R.R.)
| | - Cristina Maria Borzan
- Department of Public Health, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Avram Iancu Str., no. 31, 400083 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
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John Nutor J, Duodu PA, Agbadi P, Duah HO, Oladimeji KE, Gondwe KW. Predictors of high HIV+ prevalence in Mozambique: A complex samples logistic regression modeling and spatial mapping approaches. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234034. [PMID: 32497145 PMCID: PMC7272061 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The burden of HIV infection in southern Africa is a public health concern with an increasing number of new infections. This study sought to investigate the predictors of HIV prevalence in Mozambique through a complex samples logistic regression and spatial mapping approach using nationally representative data. Methods We conducted a secondary data analysis using the 2015 Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey and AIDS Indicator Survey. The analysis performed in four stages while incorporating population survey sampling weights did the following: i) created a complex sample plan file in SPSS, ii) performed the weighted estimate of HIV prevalence, iii) performed complex sample chi-square test of independence, and then iv) performed complex sample logistic regression modeling. Results Out of 11,270 participants, 1,469 (13.0%) tested positive for HIV. The prevalence of HIV infection was higher in females (15.1%) than males (10.2%). We found that urban dwellers were more likely to be HIV-positive compared to rural dwellers (AOR: 1.70; CI: 1.27, 2.27). We observed provincial variations in HIV prevalence, with Maputo Cidade (17.4%), Maputo Provincia (22.6%), Gaza (25.2%) recording higher prevalence above the national estimate. Other independent predictors of HIV infection in Mozambique included age, education level, marital status, total lifetime sexual partners, and having had an STI in the last 12 months. Conclusions The study revealed associations between high-risk sexual behavior and HIV infection. Results from our spatial mapping approach can help health policy makers to better allocate resources for cost-effective HIV/AIDS interventions. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) campaigns among high-risk groups should be pursued to lower the reservoir of HIV among high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry John Nutor
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Pascal Agbadi
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Kelechi Elizabeth Oladimeji
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Fort Hare, Eastern Cape, South Africa
| | - Kaboni Whitney Gondwe
- College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
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Orihuela CA, Mrug S, Davies S, Elliott MN, Tortolero Emery S, Peskin MF, Reisner S, Schuster MA. Neighborhood Disorder, Family Functioning, and Risky Sexual Behaviors in Adolescence. J Youth Adolesc 2020; 49:991-1004. [PMID: 32096008 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-020-01211-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent risky sexual behaviors can result in negative consequences such as sexually transmitted infection. However, much research effort has been placed on understanding individual characteristics, rather than the role of neighborhood environment. This study addressed the prospective effects of neighborhood and family functioning in preadolescence on risky sexual behaviors. Participants included 4179 youth (Mage = 11.01 years, range 8.64-13.83; 51% female) and their caregivers. Using objective and self-reported measures of neighborhood and family functioning, results from multilevel regression analyses indicated that youth residing in disordered neighborhoods or had poorer family functioning in preadolescence were more likely to initiate sexual intercourse at younger ages 5 years later. Specifically, neighborhood poverty and decay were linked to early sexual initiation, whereas neighborhood social and family processes were protective against early sexual initiation. Males were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors in neighborhoods with greater poverty or decay; neighborhood poverty was linked with sexual initiation in White but not African American youth. Finally, parental monitoring moderated relationships between neighborhood social resources and contraceptive use, with neighborhood social resources linked with greater contraceptive use at low levels of parental monitoring, but lower contraceptive use at high levels of parental monitoring. These findings underscore the importance of neighborhood and family contexts in adolescents' risky sexual behavior, suggesting that males and White youth are more vulnerable to the effects of neighborhood poverty and that more research is needed on the possible counterproductive function of parental monitoring in neighborhoods with greater social resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catheryn A Orihuela
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
| | - Sylvie Mrug
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Susan Davies
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Marc N Elliott
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90401-3208, USA
| | - Susan Tortolero Emery
- University of Texas Prevention Research Center, 7000 Fannin Ste. 2600, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Melissa F Peskin
- University of Texas Prevention Research Center, 7000 Fannin Ste. 2600, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sari Reisner
- Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Mark A Schuster
- Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine, 98S. Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91101, USA
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Ayerdi Aguirrebengoa O, Vera Garcia M, Rueda Sanchez M, D´Elia G, Chavero Méndez B, Alvargonzalez Arrancudiaga M, Bello León S, Puerta López T, Clavo Escribano P, Ballesteros Martín J, Menendez Prieto B, Fuentes ME, García Lotero M, Raposo Utrilla M, Rodríguez Martín C, Del Romero Guerrero J. Risk factors associated with sexually transmitted infections and HIV among adolescents in a reference clinic in Madrid. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228998. [PMID: 32176884 PMCID: PMC7075699 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Adolescents have a higher incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than persons of older age groups. The WHO emphasises the need to adopt specific and comprehensive prevention programmes aimed at this age group. The objective of this work was to analyse the prevalence of HIV/STIs among adolescents and to identify the sociodemographic, clinical and behavioural markers associated with these infections, in order to promote specific preventive strategies. Methodology Retrospective descriptive study of adolescents, aged 10–19 years, who were attended to for the first consultation between 2016 and 2018 in a reference STI clinic in Madrid. All adolescents were given a structured epidemiological questionnaire where information on sociodemographic, clinical and behavioural characteristics was collected. They were screened for human inmmunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The processing and analysis of the data was done using the STATA 15.0 statistical package. Results The frequency of HIV/STIs detected among all adolescents was: gonorrhoea 21.7%, chlamydia 17.1%, syphilis 4.8% and HIV 2.4%. After conducting a multivariate analysis, the independent and statistically significant variables related to the presence of an STI were having first sexual relations at a young age and having a history of STIs. Latin American origin was just below the level of statistical significance (p = 0.066). Discussion/Conclusions Adolescents who begin sexual relations at an early age or those who have a history of HIV/STIs are at higher risk of acquiring STIs. Comprehensive prevention programmes aimed specifically at adolescents should be implemented, especially before the age of 13 years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mar Vera Garcia
- Centro Sanitario Sandoval, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Giovanna D´Elia
- Centro Sanitario Sandoval, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Teresa Puerta López
- Centro Sanitario Sandoval, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
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Weng RX, Hong FC, Yu WY, Cai YM. Compare HIV/syphilis infections between age groups and explore associated factors of HIV/syphilis co-infections among men who have sex with men in Shenzhen, China, from 2009 to 2017. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223377. [PMID: 31581277 PMCID: PMC6776337 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to assess the HIV/syphilis epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) aged <50 years and ≥50 years in Shenzhen, and explore the associated factors of HIV/syphilis co-infections among MSM in Shenzhen, in order to help prevention and intervention programs determine their target sub-group. A serial cross-sectional study was conducted on MSM in Shenzhen city, China from 2009 to 2017. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic characteristics, history of HIV testing, history of blood donation and sexual behaviors. 5 ml of venous blood were collected for syphilis and HIV tests. The overall prevalence of HIV, syphilis, HIV/syphilis co-infection was 9.40%, 18.97%, and 4.91%, respectively. The prevalence of HIV (15.26%), syphilis (27.71%), HIV/syphilis co-infection (9.24%) in aged ≥50 years MSM was significantly higher than aged <50 years MSM (9.15%, 18.59% and 4.72%, respectively). The following factors were found to be significantly associated with HIV/syphilis co-infections (P<0.05): age≥50 years (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.10–2.87), high school or lower (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.10–2.01), monthly income ≤436.2 USD (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.25–2.42), monthly income 436.4–727.2 USD (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.05–2.03), ≥2 anal sex partners in the past 6 months (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.02–2.49), ≥2 oral sex partners in the past 6 months (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.08–2.36), inconsistent condom use during anal sex in the past 6 months (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.11–2.03). We found that aged <50 years and ≥50 years MSM in Shenzhen had a high prevalence of HIV/syphilis infection in a period from 2009 to 2017. Age-specific sexually transmitted diseases education, prevention, and intervention programs for aged ≥50 years MSM should be implemented urgently and integrated interventions of both HIV and syphilis infections on MSM are needed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Xing Weng
- Department of STD Control and Prevention, Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Fu-Chang Hong
- Department of STD Control and Prevention, Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wei-Ye Yu
- Department of STD Control and Prevention, Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yu-Mao Cai
- Department of STD Control and Prevention, Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- * E-mail:
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