Abstract
Access to sexual and reproductive health in conservative communities and in the MENA region are particularly limited and, as such, increase women’s vulnerability to unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The aim was to assess the prevalence of STIs, sexual practices, recreational drug-use and their possible associations among cisgender unmarried women residing in Lebanon. Data on demographics, sexual practices and substance-use were collected from 2083 unmarried cisgender women who voluntarily attended a sexual health clinic in Lebanon between 2015 and 2019. They tested for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Syphilis through rapid testing. Other infections (genital warts, Neisseria gonorrhea/Chlamydia trachomatis) were screened for. Regression models were computed between variables. There were two cases of HIV, one of Hepatitis B and syphilis, and no cases of Hepatitis C. Genital warts were present in 15% and symptoms indicative of Neisseria gonorrhea/Chlamydia trachomatis in 14%. Inconsistent condom-use (81%) was significantly associated with number of partners (adj. OR: 0.4). Inconsistent condom-use discussion with partners (33%) was significantly associated with unemployment (adj OR: 1.7), recreational drug-use (adj. OR: 1.4), and number of partners (adj. ORs 3.7–4.4). Unwanted pregnancies (11%) were significantly associated with age (adj. ORs 0.1–0.37), recreational drug-use (adj. OR: 2), using intrauterine device (adj. OR:2.9) and natural birth control methods (adj. OR: 2.4). Recreational drug-use (33%) was significantly associated with age (adj ORs 1.9–2.2), and smoking status (adj. OR: 0.6). The results indicate an urgent need for: (1) Accessible, non-stigmatizing, and inclusive sexual health services dedicated to women’s sexual health; (2) Comprehensive and non-stigmatizing sexual health education for all, but especially women, in order to promote safer sexual practices and effective decision making with regards to contraception and condom-use.
Highlights
Access to sexual and reproductive health in conservative communities and in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are limited and, as such, increase women’s vulnerability to unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
The anonymous data from the questionnaire, rapid testing and medical consultations, were saved digitally under a file number that is unique for each beneficiary and can only be viewed by professionals working at the center and who have signed a confidentiality agreement
The research and all ethical considerations were approved by the IRB office of our institution (CE Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth #2016–77); research was performed in accordance with the good clinical practices described in the Helsinki declaration; informed consent was obtained from all participants or parents/legally authorized representatives of subjects that are under 18
Summary
Access to sexual and reproductive health in conservative communities and in the MENA region are limited and, as such, increase women’s vulnerability to unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The aim was to assess the prevalence of STIs, sexual practices, recreational drug-use and their possible associations among cisgender unmarried women residing in Lebanon. Sexual practices and substance-use were collected from 2083 unmarried cisgender women who voluntarily attended a sexual health clinic in Lebanon between 2015 and 2019 They tested for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Syphilis through rapid testing. Access to SRH and sexual health education are limited and, as such, increase women’s vulnerability to unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and S TIs3. Among STIs, HPV could lead to cervical cancer, the 3rd most common cancer among female born individuals g lobally[12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
