Multiple Recent Sexual Partners Research Articles

Sudden hearing loss secondary to syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum, whose incidence has increased significantly in recent years. Some patients may develop sudden hearing loss (SHL) against the background of otosyphilis. The objective of our study was to determine whether routine lues serology is useful in patients presenting with sudden hearing loss. For this purpose, all cases of SHL treated in our hospital during a period of 6years were propectively collected. The frequency of positivity for syphilis in these patients, the treatment received, and their evolution were determined. Of the total number of patients evaluated during that period, 71 underwent serological screening for syphilis, of whom 2 (2.8%) presented positive screening antibodies. In one of them, the RPR was normal and had been treated with lues a few years before. After treatment there was no improvement. The other patient, diagnosed with otosyphilis with unconfirmed suspected neurological disease, showed normalization of hearing after specific treatment. Since it is a potentially curable disease, despite the low overall frequency of syphilis in patients with SHL it is advisable to perform serological screening for syphilis in high risk patients (e.g., incarceration, multiple recent sexual partners, men who have sex with men) or atypical clinical presentation (e.g., concurrent neuropathies).

Receptiveness to Patient-Delivered Partner Therapy (PDPT) for Chlamydia Infection: Exploratory Findings From a Sample of Canadian Youth.

To determine hypothetical receptiveness among Canadian 15-24 year old youth to providing and receiving patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) for Chlamydia trachomatis infection and to explore patient characteristics associated with receptiveness. An anonymous cross-sectional survey was administered to a convenience sample of 312 youth ages 15-24 years presenting to a youth-focused community health centre (CHC) in Ajax, ON. The survey probed comfort with PDPT for chlamydia, both if the respondent was the hypothetical index case or the hypothetical partner. Participants ranked their hypothetical receptiveness on a five-point Likert Scale. Simple descriptive statistics were performed. Mean age of respondents was 19.2 years. The majority (87.6%) endorsed previous sexual activity, of which 18.8% reported a previous chlamydia diagnosis. Seventy-eight percent of respondents endorsed hypothetical comfort with providing PDPT, while 65.4% and 53.3% of respondents expressed hypothetical willingness to receive PDPT if they were symptomatic and asymptomatic from chlamydia, respectively. Having multiple recent sexual partners was associated with increased hypothetical receptiveness to PDPT. Age was not correlated with a significant difference in responses. Among 312 Canadian youth, a majority expressed hypothetical comfort with providing and receiving PDPT for C. trachomatis. Having multiple recent sexual partners significantly increased reported potential receptiveness. Within this sample, PDPT thus has a significant potential to reach youth engaging in higher-risk sexual behavior. Variations in comfort based on symptom status emphasized the importance of tailoring partner management strategies to individual patients and of ongoing patient education.

Is sexual content in new media linked to sexual risk behaviour in young people? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Social networking and digital media increasingly have an impact on the lives of young people. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that examined the relationship between exposure to sexually explicit websites (SEWs) and 'sexting' (i.e. sending semi-nude or nude photos from a mobile phone) and the sexual attitudes and practices of young people. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses statement, Medline, EMBASE and PsycINFO were searched for papers that described the statistical association between viewing SEWs or sexting by young people (defined as 10-24 years) and their sexual attitudes and behaviours. Fourteen studies, all cross-sectional in design, met the inclusion criteria. Six studies (10352 participants) examined young people's exposure to SEWs and eight (10429 participants) examined sexting. There was substantial variation across studies in exposure and outcome definitions. Meta-analyses found that SEW exposure was correlated with condomless sexual intercourse (odds ratio (OR) 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08-1.38, two studies); sexting was correlated with ever having had sexual intercourse (OR 5.58, 95% CI: 4.46-6.71, five studies), recent sexual activity (OR 4.79, 95% CI: 3.55-6.04, two studies), alcohol and other drug use before sexual intercourse (OR 2.65, 95% CI: 1.99-3.32, two studies) and multiple recent sexual partners (OR 2.79, 95% CI: 1.95-3.63, two studies). Most studies had limited adjustment for important potential confounders. Cross-sectional studies show a strong association between self-reported exposure to sexual content in new media and sexual behaviours in young people. Longitudinal studies would provide a greater opportunity to adjust for confounding, and better insight into the causal pathways underlying the observed associations.

Acceptability of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PREP) Among People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) in a Canadian Setting.

A recent clinical trial provided evidence that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has the potential to prevent HIV infection among people who inject drugs (PWID). We examined willingness to use PrEP among HIV-negative PWID in Vancouver, Canada (n = 543) to inform PrEP implementation efforts. One third (35.4 %) expressed willingness to use PrEP, with adjusted models indicating that younger age, no regular employment, requiring help injecting, engaging in sex work, and reporting multiple recent sexual partners were positively associated with willingness to use PrEP. Although willingness to use PrEP was low, PrEP was acceptable to some PWID at heightened risk for HIV infection.

Predictors of Multiple Sexual Partners From Adolescence Through Young Adulthood

PurposeTo examine time-varying associations between predictors of recent multiple sexual partners from middle adolescence through young adulthood. MethodsWe examined whether the odds of multiple partners in the past year were differentially predicted by substance use and depression over time, using data from a nationally representative longitudinal study (N = 11,963, 52.2% female, 18.3% African-American, 11.9% Hispanic, 3.5% Asian, 2.6% other race, M age at Wave I = 16.1 years, SD = 1.8). Data were analyzed using the time-varying effect model, which estimates associations between predictors and an outcome as a function of near-continuous time. ResultsThe proportion of participants having multiple partners increased over time, leveling off at around 30% after age 20. Significant positive associations between substance use and multiple partners were strongest early in adolescence and decreased sharply by around age 18. The significant positive association between depression and sexual behavior weakened with age, remaining significant in young adulthood for women but not men. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that factors associated with having multiple recent sexual partners change from middle adolescence through young adulthood. The time-varying effect model can be used to identify risk factors that are especially salient at different ages, thus identifying which age periods may hold the greatest promise for intervention.

Does the use of a condom involve a risk for contacting sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS?

The aim of this study is to elucidate and review the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among condom users. Men and women of reproductive age are the subjects of this study. Data were extracted from the literature through the MEDLINE service for the period 2000–2006. Female condoms (0.1%) were reported to be less liable to break than male condoms (3.1%), while slippage occurs more often with female condoms (5.6%) than with male condoms (1.1%). The nonlatex condoms have a higher frequency of breakage or slippage during intercourse or withdrawal (4%) than latex ones (1.3%). Adolescents having multiple sexual partners and/or having sex with someone they met on that same day are about 80% more likely to report condom failure. Condom breakage or slippage is associated with never having received instructions on correct condom use, more than one sexual partner and more frequent condom use. Ineffective condom use is common among young adults. A younger age, primary partner, lack of partner support, multiple recent sexual partners and use of condoms for contraception are positively associated with delayed condom use. However, condoms do offer 30–90% protection against STIs and HIV passed in the semen and 0–30% protection against diseases due to skin-to-skin contact. This inversely implies that there is always a risk of contacting Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HIV, or genital herpes and warts even when using a condom during sexual intercourse. Only correct – rather than consistent – condom use reduces the risk of STIs and HIV during intercourse. Therefore, condom users need to be cautioned that some risks are involved with the use of this method.

A randomized social network HIV prevention trial with young men who have sex with men in Russia and Bulgaria

To evaluate the effects of an HIV prevention intervention with social networks of young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in St. Petersburg, Russia and Sofia, Bulgaria. A two-arm randomized trial with a longitudinally-followed community cohort. Fifty-two MSM social networks were recruited through access points in high-risk community venues. Network members (n = 276) were assessed to determine risk characteristics, administered sociometric measures to empirically identify the social leader of each network, and counseled in risk reduction. The leaders of 25 experimental condition networks attended a nine-session program that provided training and guidance in delivering ongoing theory-based HIV prevention advice to other network members. Leaders successively targeted network members' AIDS risk-related knowledge and risk reduction norms, attitudes, intentions, and self-efficacy. Participants were re-administered risk assessment measures at 3- and 12-month follow-ups. Among changes produced, the percentage of experimental network members reporting unprotected intercourse (UI) declined from 71.8 to 48.4% at 3-month follow up (P = 0.0001). The percentage who engaged in UI with multiple partners reduced from 31.5 to 12.9% (P = 0.02). After 12 months, the effects became attenuated but remained among participants who had multiple recent sexual partners, the most vulnerable group. Little change was found in control group networks. Interventions that engage the identified influence leaders of at-risk YMSM social networks to communicate theory-based counseling and advice can produce significant sexual risk behavior change. This model is culturally pertinent for HIV prevention efforts in former socialist countries, as well as elsewhere for other hard-to-reach vulnerable community populations.

Psychosocial correlates of U.S. adolescents who report a history of forced sexual intercourse

Background A comprehensive assessment of the psychosocial risk profiles of adolescents who report forced sexual intercourse remains an important gap in the literature, precluding meaningful discussion of the implications of such experiences. Methods Ninth through twelfth grade high school adolescents(n = 13,601) who completed the 2001 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey were participants. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine all significant independent relationships. Results The lifetime prevalence of forced sex for females and males was 10.2% and 5.1%, respectively. For the overall sample, feeling sad/hopeless(odds ratio [OR] 1.9), having considered (OR 2.1) or attempted (OR 1.4) suicide, being a victim of physical dating violence (OR 2.8) heavy cigarette use (OR 1.4), binge drinking (OR 0.7), having multiple recent sexual partners (OR 8.3) and unprotected sex (OR 1.7) were correlated with a history of forced sex. Among females, associations were found among sad/hopeless feelings (OR 1.6), having considered suicide(OR 2.2), fighting (OR 1.3), physical dating violence (OR 2.1) heavy cigarette use (OR 1.8), multiple sexual partners (OR 9.3) , alcohol/or drug use before sex (OR 1.6) and unprotected sex (OR 1.5). Among males, associations were found among sad/hopeless feelings (OR 1.8), attempted suicide (OR 1.9), gun carrying (OR 1.8), physical dating violence (OR 4.3), multiple sexual partners (OR 7.8), unprotected sex (OR 1.9), and other ethnicity (OR 3.3). Conclusions Although a history of forced sexual intercourse affects a small number of adolescents, it is an important public health issue. The psychological and behavioral correlates of forced sexuality suggest that these youth have been harmed and may further place themselves in harm’s way. Furthermore, the profiles of adolescent females and males who report such experiences are distinct in ways that warrant their independent examination and attention.

Ineffective use of condoms among young women in managed care

Condoms must be used effectively in order to prevent pregnancy and the spread of HIV/STD. This study investigated two types of ineffective condom use, delayed condom use (initiated after penetration has occurred) and condom slippage and/or breakage. We estimated prevalence and identified predictors of ineffective condom use among young women at risk of STDs. The study used baseline survey data from a randomized trial of women 18-24 years old at two managed care sites; 779 participants who were recent condom users were included in this analysis. Forty-four per cent of the sample reported delayed condom use in the past three months and 19% reported condom slippage and/or breakage. In multivariate logistic regression, younger age, primary partner, lack of partner support, multiple recent sexual partners and using condoms for contraception were positively associated with delayed condom use. Correlates of condom slippage and/or breakage were non-white race/ethnicity and history of any STD. Greater frequency of condom use independently predicted both outcomes. Ineffective condom use was common in this sample of experienced condom users and predictors were different for each outcome. HIV/STD prevention interventions must address more specific aspects of condom use than have previously been their focus, especially when condom use is already high.

Differences in sexual risk behaviors between college students with same-sex and opposite-sex experience: results from a national survey.

The goal of this study was to identify differences in the sexual health behaviors (condom use and number of sexual partners) between college students with same-sex sexual experiences and those with only opposite-sex partners. Data from a random sample of American university students were gathered as part of the 1997 College Alcohol Study. Odds ratios were estimated for consistent condom use and multiple sex partners for students with same-sex or both-sex sexual partners compared to those with exclusively heterosexual contacts. Five percent of respondents reported ever having a same-sex partner. Significant differences in safer-sex practices were found between groups. Females with both-sex experience and males with both-sex or only same-sex experiences were more likely to report multiple recent sexual partners than their peers with only opposite-sex partners. Odds ratios of consistent condom use were lower for men with only same-sex experience than among those with only opposite-sex partners. Findings have implications for sexual health education on the college campus. Consistent condom use remains low among college students. Education programs should emphasize the importance of limiting the number of lifetime sex partners, especially among students with same-sex experiences.

Migration, Sexual Behavior and the Risk of HIV in Kenya

The association of migration with AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa is well documented, yet the social and behavioral mechanisms underlying this relationship remain poorly understood. Using data from the 1993 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, this article examines whether migrants are more likely than nonmigrants to have multiple recent sexual partners and not use condoms with those partners. Results indicate that migration is a critical factor in high-risk sexual behavior and that its importance varies by gender and by the direction of movement. Independent of marital and cohabitation status, social milieu, awareness of AIDS, and other crucial influences on sexual behavior, male migrants between urban areas and female migrants within rural areas are much more likely than nonmigrant counterparts to engage in sexual practices conducive to HIV infection. In rural areas, migrants from urban places are more likely than nonmigrants to practice high-risk sex. Given the predominance of men in urban migration and the large volume of circulatory movement between urban and rural areas, these results have serious implications for HIV transmission throughout Kenya.

Behavioural and demographic characteristics of attenders at two genitourinary medicine clinics in England.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate how attenders with sexually transmitted disease (STD) differ from the general population with respect to sexual behaviour, and to identify which attenders at genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics...