Prevalence Of Sexually Transmitted Infections Research Articles

Crystal methamphetamine use and bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among gay, bisexual and other sexual minority men in Canada

ObjectiveWhile crystal methamphetamine use by gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) is associated with increased risk for sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission, less is understood about the causal pathways between crystal methamphetamine use and STIs. We examined whether the association between greater crystal methamphetamine risk and prevalent bacterial STI diagnosis among GBM was mediated by two types of attitudinal variables: attitudes toward condoms, and sexual escape motives, defined as the use of substances to escape self-awareness during sex, and by sexual behaviors. MethodsWe used computer-assisted self-interview questionnaires from 2449 sexually active GBM (18% living with HIV; median age = 33, interquartile range, 27–45) recruited via respondent-driven sampling in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, Canada. Using the baseline data from the Engage cohort study, we fit a series of structural mediation models of the associations between greater crystal methamphetamine risk and bacterial STI (syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia) diagnosis. We estimated indirect paths from greater crystal methamphetamine risk, attitudes toward condoms, sexual escape motives, and sexual risk behaviors, adjusting for self-reported demographic variables. ResultsIn the mediated model, the direct association between greater crystal methamphetamine risk and bacterial STI diagnosis was non-significant; however, five indirect paths were significant. Greater crystal methamphetamine risk was associated with bacterial STIs via condom use attitudes and escape motives, which in turn were associated with number of male anal sex partners, condomless anal sex, and oral sex. DiscussionPublic health and counselling interventions for GBM who use crystal methamphetamine and who are at higher risk for STIs should target evidence-based causal paths that consider sexual attitudes and sexual practices.

Sexually transmitted infections among patients attending a sexual assault centre: a cohort study from Oslo, Norway

ObjectivesWe estimate the prevalence of sexually transmitted infection (STI) among patients after sexual assault, assess the possible value of azithromycin prophylaxis, and identify risk factors for assault-related STI and for...

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Users' Attitudes About Sexually Transmitted Infections and Its Influence on Condom Use: A Mixed-Method Study in Belgium

Incidence rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are rising among men who have sex with men (MSM). Since the rollout of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), promoting condom use to prevent the spread of STIs has become more challenging. Using a mixed-method design, we explored MSM PrEP users' attitudes toward STIs, condoms, and condom use with nonsteady partners to prevent STIs. We triangulated data from 22 in-depth interviews conducted at a large HIV/STI clinic between August 2021 and January 2022 and an online survey among 326 PrEP users between September 2020 and January 2022. Interviews were analyzed iteratively using a thematic analysis approach. We used bivariate and multi-variate ordered logistic regression to analyze the online survey data. Themes identified in the qualitative data influencing condom use decisions to prevent STIs were as follows: (1) awareness (i.e., perceived severity of and susceptibility to STIs, condom counseling), (2) motivation (i.e., concerns about STIs, sexual pleasure and protection of own health), and (3) perceived social norms and practices (e.g., reduced condom use at community level). Overall, 10.7% of survey respondents consistently used condoms with nonsteady partners. Survey respondents who reported high or moderate levels of willingness to use condoms to prevent acquiring STIs were significantly more likely to use condoms for anal sex with nonsteady partners; those who initiated PrEP 6-12 months ago were less likely to use condoms. We found a wide variation in attitudes toward condom use for the prevention of STIs among MSM using PrEP. We recommend client-centered approaches, taking into account PrEP users' values and priorities toward STI prevention to help reduce the spread of STIs.

Hormonal contraceptive use and the risk of sexually transmitted infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis

There are 150 million women worldwide using combined or progestogen-only hormonal contraceptive methods who may be at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Previous systematic reviews that have sought to establish whether there is an aetiological association between hormonal contraceptive methods/use and STIs have been limited in their methods and have mixed findings. We sought to update these reviews using appropriate control groups. We undertook a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines and meta-analysis to examine the association between the use of all hormonal contraceptive methods and the acquisition of STIs (Neisseria gonorrhoeae, syphilis/Treponema pallidum, Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex virus, and Trichomonas vaginalis) and/or bacterial vaginosis in literature published between 2005 and 2020. We analysed the effect of hormonal contraceptive methods/use separately on the prevalence, incidence and recurrence of STIs. A total of 37 studies were included in this review that reported 61 associations, in which 27 prevalence, eight incidence and two recurrence studies provided 43, 16, and two associations, respectively. We observed a positive association between hormonal contraceptive methods/use and the risk of chlamydia and herpes but a negative association for trichomoniasis and vaginosis. A negative but statistically insignificant association was observed between hormonal contraceptive methods/use and gonorrhoea. Hormonal contraceptive methods/use influences a woman's risk of STIs/ bacterial vaginosis, but the risk may differ depending on the type of STI. These findings should be contextualized carefully, particularly when formulating practice guidelines and policy, as the effects of hormonal contraceptive methods/use on the risk of STIs varied in direction when analysed separately by STI.

P090Perceptions of hiv risk screening strategies among patients seeking abortion, contraception, and pregnancy loss management

<h3>Objectives</h3> To qualitatively assess 1) acceptability of an HIV risk screening strategy and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) provision in a family planning setting, and 2) the influence of family planning visit type (abortion, pregnancy loss management, or contraception) on HIV risk screening acceptability. <h3>Methods</h3> We conducted three virtual focus groups including patients who had experienced induced abortion, early pregnancy loss, or contraception care. We developed a comprehensive codebook of a priori and inductive concepts, and categorized themes by practice, provider, and patient considerations. <h3>Results</h3> Twenty-four females participated across the three focus groups. Practice-level considerations included overall positive feelings about being screened for PrEP eligibility during their family planning visits, though some expressed reservations about screening during early pregnancy loss visits. Provider-level themes included the concept of screening tools as entry points into conversation and education, and the importance of non-judgment in discussing sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. Participants often had to initiate STI prevention discussions and felt that contraception was over-emphasized by their providers compared with STI prevention and PrEP care. Patient-level themes included the stigma of STIs and oral PrEP, and the dynamic nature of STI risk. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Patients have genuine interest in learning about PrEP during family planning visits and feel that STI prevention education should be consistently and frequently initiated using patient-centered STI screening methods that can be consistently incorporated into family planning clinical practice.

Regular Testing of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections With Self-Collected Samples From Multiple Anatomic Sites to Monitor Sexual Health in Men Who Have Sex With Men: Longitudinal Study.

Regular HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing for men who have sex with men (MSM) is an important means of infection prevention, the adoption of which remains suboptimal in the community. On the hypothesis that engagement plays an important role in sexual health monitoring, this study aimed to pilot-test internet-based HIV and STI testing with self-sampling to enhance engagement of MSM with regular testing. This 1-year cohort study was conducted on HIV-negative MSM aged 18 years or older. A designated website was set up to enable participants to make appointments for baseline and follow-up visits at 3-monthly intervals. On-site blood sampling was performed for HIV and syphilis tests, along with self-collection of pharyngeal swabs, rectal swabs, and urine samples for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) testing. Full engagement, as defined by having made at least 3 visits over a 6-12 months' follow-up period, was compared with partial engagement in the bivariable logistic regression model. Between August 2019 and October 2020, 204 MSM were recruited, after the exclusion of 2 baseline HIV-positive MSM. The majority (189/204, 92.7%) were Chinese, the median age was 31 (IQR 26-39) years, and 58.0% (116/200) had experience with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at baseline. Full engagement (146/204, 71.6%) was associated with incident STI during the follow-ups (odds ratio [OR] 4.23, 95% CI 1.63-10.94), seeking a medical referral after STI detection (OR 10.25, 95% CI 3.25-29.79), and a synchronized schedule of HIV and STI testing with PrEP visits (OR 51.85, 95% CI 19.30-139.34). No incident HIV was detected in the follow-up period. At baseline, the overall STI (CT, NG, or syphilis) prevalence was 30%, with CT at 18%, NG at 13%, and syphilis at 5%. During follow-up, the incidences were 59.08/100 person-years (py) for any STI, 33.05/100 py for CT, 29.86/100 py for NG, and 10.4/100 py for syphilis. The detection rates of CT and NG in urine samples were lower than with pharyngeal swabs and rectal swabs. The scores for convenience, confidence of correct sampling, and accuracy of self-sampling were high (7 to 8 out of 10). Both baseline prevalence and incidence of STI were high among MSM engaged in regular testing. A high degree of engagement in regular STI and HIV testing was positively associated with incident STI, history of health-seeking behaviors, and perceived convenience of self-sampling. Self-sampling could be introduced as a means of enhancing engagement in regular HIV and STI testing.

Prevalence of selected sexually transmitted infectious agents in a cohort of asymptomatic soldiers in Austria

BackgroundAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than one million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide. Although STIs may be asymptomatic in many cases, they can cause severe symptoms and can also lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes and both male and female infertility. Asymptomatic carriers seem to play an important role in terms of the distribution of STIs; however, studies revealing the prevalence of STIs in asymptomatic individuals are rare.MethodsIn the current study, 654 leftovers of standard urine samples from healthy, asymptomatic Austrian soldiers were investigated for the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, and genital mycoplasmas (Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum, and Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii) by specific PCRs.ResultsWe detected T. vaginalis, M. hominis, U. urealyticum, U. parvum, and C. trachomatis in the investigated samples with prevalence of 7.6%, 4%, 2.4%, 5.4%, and 3.2%, respectively; neither M. genitalium nor Ca. Mycoplasma girerdii was found in our sample collection.ConclusionsOur study introduces data on STIs of a mainly male cohort, which are scarce because most of the available information on sexually transmitted infectious agents arises from fertility clinics (mainly women) or symptomatic patients.Graphical abstract

Consistent Condom Use and Associated Factors among sexually active Military Personnel in Eastern Ethiopia: Cross-Sectional Study Design.

A condom is a latex-based device used to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Despite condom availability and promotion for use in STI prevention, consistent condom use remains too low in Ethiopia. A significant proportion of Ethiopian military personnel had multiple sexual partners, with lower rates of condom use with non-regular sexual partners. As a result, determining the pattern of condom use and the factors associated with it among military personnel is critical. The purpose of this study was to evaluate consistent condom use and associated factors among sexually active military personnel in Eastern Ethiopia from February 1 to 28, 2020. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 327 sexually active military personnel. To select the study participants, a systematic sampling technique was used. The data were entered into EpiData and exported to the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 for analysis. To identify factors associated with condom use, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used, and the strength of the association was measured using odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI), with P-values less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of consistent condom uses over one year by the respondents was 59.9% (95% CI: 54, 65). Study participants with an age of 30-35 years old (AOR = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.43, 11.38), above 35 years old (AOR = 2.42; 95% CI: 1.83, 9.30), college and above in educational status (AOR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.20, 5.43), Officer in military rank (AOR = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.14, 10.15) and other military ranks (AOR = 3.08; 2.33, 8.52) were factors facilitate the use of condom consistently. In this study, two in every five military personnel use condoms inconsistently. Designing appropriate intervention and behavioral change strategies, as well as increasing the accessibility and availability of condoms around military camps, will undoubtedly have a significant impact on consistent condom utilization.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Reproductive Health Outcomes Among Women Veterans: A Research Note

There are a growing number of U. S. women veterans. The goal of this study was to examine the frequency of reproductive health conditions, as well as racial/ethnic disparities within reproductive health concerns, among a sample of women veterans who were referred by their primary care providers for a psychiatric evaluation. Cross-sectional data were collected from 701 women veterans in a Women’s Health Clinic at a VA Medical Center. The most commonly reported reproductive health conditions were dyspareunia, pelvic pain, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Other reproductive health conditions reported by women veterans included endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and osteoporosis. Black women veterans had significantly higher rates of endometriosis compared with the other racial/ethnic groups. Prevalence of PCOS, dyspareunia, osteoporosis, STIs, pelvic pain, perinatal loss, and infertility treatment did not differ across race/ethnicity. Health care providers working with women veterans should engage in regular screening of reproductive health conditions for women across all demographic groups.

Facilitators and Barriers to the Implementation of Interventions in Washington, DC, to Improve Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening, Testing, and Treatment Among People with or at Risk of HIV.

Bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) incidences of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis are increasing in Washington, DC. Moreover, the availability of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis for people at risk of HIV and condomless sex has increased, and bacterial STI rates have risen. This indicates the necessity of evidence-based strategies to ensure access to STI care and improve health outcomes for people with HIV in Washington, DC. Three clinics in Washington, DC, implemented three evidence-based interventions, including the use of a standardized audio computer-assisted self-interview to obtain an interval sexual history at each clinic visit, patient self-collection of chlamydia/gonorrhea nucleic acid amplification test specimens, and sexual minority welcoming clinical space indicators to normalize STI screening and testing. Three sites in Washington, DC, used a multi-level socioecological model to identify successes, challenges, and lessons learned from program implementation at the following three levels: (1) individual, (2) interpersonal, and (3) public policy. We conclude with a series of instructional strategies that may be useful for the implementation of similar interventions that may assist district-wide responses to decrease health disparities and increase STI prevention.

Abnormal vaginal discharge among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa: the need for a paradigm shift from a syndromic approach to specific pathogen identification and directed treatment

BackgroundAn abnormal vaginal discharge is a frequent manifestation of reproductive tract infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and vulvovaginal candidiasis. It is also a manifestation of bacterial vaginosis, which has a prevalence of up to 50% among women of reproductive age. Reproductive tract infections are associated with a range of reproductive health challenges and increase the risk of HIV acquisition. MethodsThis study was performed to critically review and discuss the current diagnostic and treatment approaches to abnormal vaginal discharge among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa, and to call for a paradigm shift from the syndromic approach to specific pathogen identification and directed antimicrobial therapy. DiscussionYoung women have the highest incidence of HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa where the prevalence of both STIs and bacterial vaginosis is very high have been employing a syndromic approach for the treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge since around 1984. However, the syndromic approach has several limitations, with the potential to miss infections, over-diagnose and over-treat STIs, and propagate antimicrobial resistance, which is one of the greatest global health challenges of the 21st century. ConclusionsThe low to middle-income countries of sub-Saharan Africa must innovate and leverage improved diagnostics to capacitate primary health care and other levels for point-of-care diagnostic testing, in order to provide an immediate diagnosis and treatment for women with an abnormal vaginal discharge.

Impact of the Early COVID-19 Pandemic on the Number of HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Uses and the Proportion of Preexposure Prophylaxis Users Receiving Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Services.

With the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care management, we assessed the number of PrEP users and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing-eligible PrEP users, STI testing rates, and prevalence between prepandemic (January 1, 2018-March 31, 2020) and early-pandemic (April 1, 2020-September 30, 2020) periods. In this retrospective cohort study, a PrEP user for a given quarter is defined as either a previous PrEP user or a PrEP initiator who has at least 1-day coverage of tenofovir/emtricitabine in the given quarter. The STI testing-eligible PrEP users for a given quarter were defined as those persons whose runout date (previous dispense date + days of tenofovir/emtricitabine supply) was in the given quarter. The quarterly number of PrEP users increased from the first quarter of 2018 to the first quarter of 2020 and then decreased in the second and third quarter of 2020. Among STI testing-eligible PrEP users who had ≤14 days between runout and next refill date, gonorrhea and chlamydia screening testing rates were 95.1% for prepandemic and 93.4% for early pandemic ( P = 0.1011). Among all STI testing-eligible PrEP users who were tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia, gonorrhea prevalence was 6.7% for prepandemic and 5.7% for early pandemic ( P = 0.3096), and chlamydia prevalence was 7.0% for prepandemic and 5.8% for early pandemic ( P = 0.2158). Although the early COVID-19 pandemic resulted in lower numbers of PrEP users and PrEP initiators, individuals who remained continuous users of PrEP maintained extremely high rates of bacterial STI screening. With high STI prevalence among PrEP users, assessments of PrEP care management are continuously needed.

An Automated Surveillance System (SurCeGGID) for the French Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinics: Epidemiological Monitoring Study.

Viral and bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are public health concerns worldwide, but surveillance systems are not comprehensive enough to design and monitor accurately STI control strategies in most countries. In 2016, 320 STI clinics (CeGIDDs in French) were implemented in France, primarily targeting most exposed populations, although access is free of charge for anybody. This article describes the mandatory surveillance system (SurCeGIDD) based on CeGIDD's individual data aiming to better guide STI prevention. A decree ensured the use of software to manage consultations in CeGIDDs and to transfer surveillance data. A web service was implemented to secure data transfer from CeGIDDs' software to a centralized database. CeGIDDs can also transfer data in CSV format via a secured data-sharing platform. Then, data are automatically checked before integration. Data on sociodemographic variables, sexual exposure, blood exposure, symptoms, STI tests, STI diagnoses, and sexual health services delivery were collected for the previous year (n-1). Preliminary and descriptive analyses of 2017-2018 data transmitted in 2018 and 2019, respectively, were performed using numbers and proportions for qualitative variables. In 2017, 54/320 (16.9%) CeGIDDs transmitted their data. In 2018, this number of participants increased to 143/320 (44.7%) CeGIDDs. The corresponding volume of records increased from 2414 in 2017 to 382,890 in 2018. In 2018, most attendances were hospital based (263,480/382,890, 68.81%). In 2018, attendees were mostly men 227,326/379,921 (59.84%), while 151,963/379,921 (40%) were women 632/379,921 (0.17%) transgenders. The median age was 27 years for men, 23 years for women, and 30 years for transgender. Half of the attendees (81,964/174,932, 46.85%) were heterosexual men, 69,016/174,932 (39.45%) heterosexual women, 20,764/174,932 (11.87%) men who have sex with men, and 3188/174,932 (1.82%) women who have sex with women. A majority of them were born in France (227,698/286,289, 79.53%) and unemployed 115,913/211,707 (54.75%). The positivity rates were 0.37% for 205,348 HIV serologies, 1.31% for 131,551 hepatitis B virus serologies, 7.16% for 161,241 Chlamydia trachomatis PCR, 2.83% for 146,649 gonorrhea PCR, 1.04% for the syphilis combination of treponema and nontreponema serologies, and 5.96% for 13,313 Mycoplasma genitalium PCR. Despite challenges, the effectiveness of the SurCeGIDD surveillance based on routine patients' records was demonstrated. The wide range of information, including socioeconomic determinants, might help to better guide and evaluate the prevention policies and services delivery. However, the growing volumes of information will require adapted tools and algorithms for the data management and analyses.

Development and early results of a comprehensive sexuality education experience in Italian schools

Abstract Background Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is an integrated approach to sexual health and wellbeing promotion, especially effective when performed in school settings, but it is not included in Italian school curricula. This study describes the creation and early results of a pilot experience targeting students attending 20 lower secondary schools (LSS) in 4 Italian regions within EduForIST project, funded by the Ministry of Health. Methods A literature review and a national survey were used to collect guidelines and best practices in the field of sexuality education (SE), along with focus groups and multisectorial expert consultations. The results informed the development of 4 modules of 2 hours each, addressing: changes in adolescence; emotions and relationships; sexual identities and diversity; sexual consent, pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, sexual health services. A final session was dedicated to evaluation. Results The pre-test results referred to 14 classrooms of 5 schools within 2 Regions, for a total of 266 students. A high level of uncertainty was reported, regarding the topics of personal identity development (37,4%), experiencing intense emotions during adolescence (18,1%), the definitions of gender identity, sexual orientation and stereotype (42,1%), STI symptoms (58,7%) and prevention (43,4%). The post-test results were available for 153 students. Pre/post analysis showed an increase of correct answers (p&amp;lt;.05) for 12/15 items investigated. A total of 102 students responded to the satisfaction questionnaire, with positive results. Conclusions Preliminary results revealed knowledge gaps and high levels of uncertainty among LSS students. Early pre/post evaluation suggested that the pilot activity was effective in enhancing knowledge and decreasing uncertainty in all domains. Evidence collected through this study will foster awareness among policy makers on the value and urgency of introducing CSE in Italian school curricula. Key messages

Risk Prediction Score for Screening Asymptomatic Sexually Transmitted Infections in HIV-positive French Men Who Have Sex with Men (ANRS 9520 DRIVER).

Asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections (STI) are frequent among men who have sex with men (MSM). Identifying asymptomatic STIs is a crucial issue, not only for secondary but also for primary prevention, as early treatment can reduce transmission risk. We aimed to develop a self-reported predictive score for early identification of asymptomatic STIs. Participants provided clinical data and completed a self-administered questionnaire including sociodemographic variables and behaviors during the 6 previous months. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with asymptomatic STIs. We calculated the accuracy of the model by the non-parametric area (AUC) under the receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve to find the optimal discriminant threshold for screening. A total of 781 HIV-positive MSM were included with a mean age of 46.8 years. Asymptomatic STI prevalence was 13.2%. Detectable plasma HIV RNA (adjusted odds ratio (aOR [95% CI): 2.54 [1.23;5.25]), inconsistent condom use during anal sex (2.20 [1.36;3.56]), group sex (2.00 [1.15;3.45]), during or-genital practices (1.83 [1.12;3.01]), not being in stable relationship (1.70 [1.01;2.66] and an item from a sensation-seeking behavioral scale "I don't like watching porn videos" (1.61 [1.01;2.59] were associated with asymptomatic STI. AUC was 0.7 and with optimal threshold of 0.1082 for this model; sensitivity was 80.4%. Self-reported asymptomatic STI predictive score was built with this threshold according to the 6 factors in the final model. As this predictive score is not designed to be diagnostic, but to provide indications for diagnostic tests, its ease of administration and sensitivity remain the most important features. Its use in clinical practice for early detection of asymptomatic STIs potentially can reinforce STI primary and secondary prevention.

Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections in an Asymptomatic Population in Dakar, Senegal

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a major public health problem. Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections are often asymptomatic, thus leading to a high risk of transmission in subjects with risky behaviors. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of these 2 pathogens in an asymptomatic population.&#x0D; Methodology: A retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in the medical biology laboratory of the Pasteur Institute of Dakar over a period of 23 months in asymptomatic patients who were seen as part of a travel check-up. A first-draft urine sample was collected and tested for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae by molecular biology techniques. Data entry and statistical analysis were performed by Excel 2010 and SPSS 2.0 respectively.&#x0D; Results: A total of 5012 patients were included and the overall prevalence of STIs related to these 2 pathogens was 3.8% (194/5012).&#x0D; The prevalences of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae were 2.7% (137/5012) and 1.0% (55/5012), respectively. The age group most affected was [20-29 years] with 58.4% (80/137; p=0.0001) for C. trachomatis and 45.5% (25/55; p=0.471) for N. gonorrhoeae. Co-infection with these two germs was observed in 0.3% (18; p=0.001) of patients.&#x0D; Conclusion: STIs with C. trachomatis and/or N. gonorrhoeae can be asymptomatic and continue the chain of transmission. Thus, for a better prevention of STIs due to these pathogens, it is important to screen, educate and sensitize the populations considered at risk.

Towards the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Healthcare-seeking behaviour of women with STIs or STI symptoms in sub-Saharan Africa

ObjectiveSexually transmitted infections (STIs) constitute major public health problems because of their prevalence and contribution to mortality and morbidity worldwide. Healthcare seeking for STIs plays a significant role in the...

School-based sex education among adolescents worldwide: Interventions for the prevention of STIs and unintended pregnancies

Background: Adolescents are at high risk of exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies, and school is the appropriate environment for interventions to promote sexual and reproductive health. Aim: The evaluation of the results of sex education interventions aimed at preventing STIs and unintended pregnancies, performed on adolescents in school settings worldwide. Methods: The search of studies was conducted independently in three databases from 15/3/2021 to 30/04/2021. The inclusion criteria required the studies to be randomised control trials including school-based interventions that aim to prevent STIs and unintended pregnancies, among adolescent students aged 10–19 years old. Findings: A total of 2 952 articles were found, of which 24 were included in the final systematic review through the PRISMA method. A total of 59 055 students participated in these 24 controlled randomised trials conducted in 13 countries. The grading of the strength of evidence estimated that 45.83% of the studies were level I, while 54.17% were level II. Conclusions: Our findings show positive results regarding the improvement of adolescents' knowledge and attitudes towards Sexual and Reproductive Health, following school-based interventions on STIs and unintended pregnancy prevention.

PrEP Access Affected by COVID-19 Is Associated With Increased Odds of HIV Seroconversion.

Black and Hispanic/Latino sexual minority men and gender diverse (SMMGD) individuals report lower uptake and adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) compared with White SMMGD. For some, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in reduced access to PrEP prescriptions and related changes to PrEP use, yet little is known how pandemic-related changes to PrEP access and sexual activity might influence sexually transmitted infection (STI) status and HIV seroconversion among SMMGD of color. We used data from 4 waves of a national study of Black and Hispanic/Latino SMMGD's HIV, PrEP, and health experiences to assess whether self-reported changes to sexual activity were associated with STI status, and whether self-reported changes to PrEP access were associated with HIV seroconversion. Those who reported greater impact to their sexual activity during the pandemic [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10 to 1.40] and a greater number of sexual partners (aOR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.21 to 1.38) were more likely to report a positive STI test. In addition, we found that compared with those who did not report pandemic-related changes to PrEP access, those who did report changes to PrEP access had significantly higher odds of HIV seroconversion during the study period (aOR = 2.80; 95% CI: 1.02 to 7.68). These findings have implications for HIV and STI prevention and highlight the importance of novel interventions to improve PrEP access among Black and Hispanic/Latino SMMGD. Importantly, these findings also demonstrate the need to stay focused on key populations at risk of HIV infection during emerging public health crises to avoid an increase in rates of new diagnoses.

Recommendations for removing access barriers to effective Sexual/Reproductive Health Services (SRHS) for young people in South East Nigeria: A systematic review

Young people’s Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services in Nigeria are limited and there are issues of affordability and accessibility of these health services. Also, there are limited studies in Nigeria on the barriers to accessing and utilizing SRHS in the Nigerian healthcare sector. Furthermore, even when the services are provided they are not sensitive to the needs of young people. Hence, this study aims to assess the barriers to the availability and accessibility of sexual reproductive health services (SRHS) for young people living with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Abia State, Nigeria. Study Aim: To make recommendations for removing assess barriers to effective sexual and reproductive health services for young people living with STIs in southeast Nigeria. Methodology: A systematic review of 14 studies comprising 9 qualitative studies, 3 mixed methods, 1 quantitative and 1 cross-sectional study. The inclusion criteria were primary studies written in the English language which assessed barriers to SRH services while the exclusion criteria were the secondary studies and primary studies which did not access barriers to accessibility and availability of SRHS for young people. A total of 4, 705 participants from different African countries formed the sample size. Findings: Results showed that young people have little or no insight into STIs and their services. Moreover, they experienced different levels of barriers ranging from the negative and judgmental attitude of healthcare providers, stigma, cost, availability and accessibility of healthcare services as well as lack of integration of services and privacy and confidentiality. These are the major barriers that discourage young people from accessing SRH services. Also, experiences of fear and shame were reported as common barriers to utilizing care. Conclusion: Sensitizing the SRH needs of young people can enhance access to healthcare services. Therefore, there is a need to improve uptake and address the negative attitude of healthcare providers, as well as the issue of confidentiality, which will help to improve SRH service utilization among young people. Also, it is recommended that teaching health care professionals about these STI prevention centers will be the main solution to improve the preventive practice to reduce STI incidence in young people in Nigeria.