1539. Pilot Study of Sexual Networks and Sexually Transmitted Infection Risk in a Military Population

Background

In the U.S., military members experience a higher incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than the age and gender-adjusted general population, placing a costly and preventable burden on the military health system (MHS). These increased rates are likely due to differences in both individual and network level risk factors. To assess the feasibility of a survey examining the impact of sexual network risk factors on risk, a survey assessing STI individual and network level risk factors to include a 90-day sexual partnership inventory was piloted at a single military medical center.

Methods

A sample of 50 military beneficiaries completed a computer-assisted self-interview (CASI) cross-sectional egocentric survey administered on a tablet. Demographical and clinical data were captured from the electronic medical record. Non-parametric statistics were used to analyze the data.

Results

45 of 50 subjects (90%) completed the survey. 40 (88%) subjects completed at least one partnership survey and reported 1 to 20 partners per subject. Respondents were mostly active duty (91.8%) and had been active duty for less than five years (68.2%). Common risk behaviors were explored and included meeting partners online (68.75%) and having partners who use drugs (48.94%) or are heavy drinkers (44.68%). Partnership inventories suggest sexual concurrency and disassortative mixing on age, racial and ethnic groups, and military service.

Conclusion

While previous studies demonstrate that service members will complete sexual risk behavior surveys, this pilot egocentric partnership study demonstrates their willingness to provide detailed information on risk behaviors as well as detailed information on sexual partnerships. While we report on statistically significant associations, these may be subject to bias due to the underlying characteristics of the source population. As a result, these data will not likely be reflected in the full study population. 80% of pilot subjects completed the questionnaire and submitted at least one partnership survey, indicating the possibility of gathering more diverse individual sexual risk questionnaires from active duty service members. Based on these data, a multisite study of sexual networks was implemented in the MHS and is currently under analysis.

Disclosures

All Authors: No reported disclosures

Parasuicide in Rovigo (North of Italy) during the period 2000-2005

INTRODUCTION

The greatest predictor of eventual suicide is parasuicide, which includes both suicide attempts and deliberate self-harm with no intent to die. The rate of parasuicide is reckoned to be at least ten times the suicide rate.

METHODS

An observational study of the population of Rovigo Public Health Unit has been carried out to investigate parasuicide cases that presented to a general hospital in the six-year period from 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2005.

RESULTS

An incidence of 36.39 parasuicides/100,000/year referred to a general hospital has been estimated, with a majority of female and young subjects. The principal method used was drug poisoning (59.1%); the more frequent diagnoses are mood and personality disorders. Method of attempt distribution is different for age and gender (p < 0.001), while diagnosis distribution is different only for age (p < 0.001). Comparison between method of attempt and diagnosis distribution indicates a significant difference (p < 0.01). In 36.4% of cases there was no contact with the Mental Health Service after parasuicide.

DISCUSSION

The present study confirms that parasuicide is more common in females and younger people and that the more probable diagnoses are mood and personality disorders. The finding of a high number of subjects without any previous contact with the Mental Health Service and, especially, after parasuicide, claims attention on primary and secondary prevention of suicidal behaviour.

CONCLUSIONS

The results appear to be in line with those from literature on parasuicide in Western populations.