Correlates of sexually transmissible infection testing among a sample of at-risk young Australians

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin H. Douglass ◽  
Alyce M. Vella ◽  
Margaret E. Hellard ◽  
Megan S. C. Lim
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Sexual Debut ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
The Past ◽  
Chlamydia Testing ◽  
Testing Rate ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Not At Risk ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Annual chlamydia testing is recommended for all sexually active Australians aged 15–29 years; however, the testing rate is below recommended levels. Three surveys at a Melbourne music festival were conducted over 2012–14 to identify correlates of sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing among young people at risk of STIs. In total, 3588 participants were recruited; 72% reported having sex in the past year. Based on sexual behaviours, 38% of sexually active participants were classified as at risk of contracting STIs. In the past year, at-risk participants had significantly higher odds of reporting a STI test (37%) than participants classified as not at risk (24%) (OR=1.9; CI=1.6–2.3). Among at-risk participants, correlates of STI testing in the past year included being aged 20–24 years, visiting a GP, higher knowledge levels, earlier sexual debut and reporting more than five lifetime partners. Testing rates in our sample did not meet levels required to reduce chlamydia prevalence. However, the testing rate was higher in at-risk participants than participants who were not at risk. Future programs aiming to increase chlamydia testing should improve knowledge and promote the importance of testing after risk exposure, particularly among 16- to 19-year-olds.

Differences in access to healthcare and utilisation of HIV and sexually transmissible infection services between men who have sex with men and men who have sex only with women: results of the 2006–10 National Survey of Family Growth in the United States

Sexual Health ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guoyu Tao ◽  
Karen W. Hoover
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Access To Healthcare ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
The Past ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Family Growth ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) experience disparities in access to healthcare and have specific healthcare needs. Methods: We analysed data from the 2006–10 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) to examine differences in access to healthcare and HIV and sexually transmissible infection (STI) related health services by MSM and non-MSM among men in the United States aged 15–44 years who have ever had sex. MSM and sexually active MSM were identified in the NSFG as men who had ever had oral or anal sex with another man, or who had sex in the past 12 months with another man, respectively. Access was measured by the type of health insurance, having a usual place for receiving healthcare and type of usual place. Results: Of men aged 15–44 years who have ever had sex, there were no significant differences between MSM and non-MSM in the three access measures. MSM were more likely than non-MSM to receive HIV counselling (22.5% v. 8.3%) and STI testing (26.2% v. 15.6%) in the past 12 months, or to ever have had HIV testing (67.8% v. 44.6%). STI testing in the past 12 months was reported by 38.7% of sexually active MSM. Conclusion: Our findings show no significant differences in access to healthcare between MSM and non-MSM. MSM were more likely to receive HIV- and STI-related preventive services than non-MSM. However, the low STI testing rate among MSM highlights the need for interventions to increase STI testing, and HIV and STI counselling for MSM.

Young women's misperceptions about sexually transmissible infection testing: a 'clean and clear' misunderstanding

Sexual Health ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara K. Head ◽  
Richard A. Crosby ◽  
Lydia A. Shrier ◽  
Gregory R. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Young Women ◽  
Sexual Debut ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviour ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background: This exploratory study investigated young women’s perceptions of sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing received during gynaecological care. Correlates of the incorrect perception that STI testing occurred were assessed. Methods: Cross-sectional study of sexually active young women, age 18–24 years, attending a university healthcare setting for gynaecological care (n = 109). Two hundred and four women were approached and 87 were ineligible; of the remaining 117, 93.2% chose to enrol. Results: Of the women enrolled, 25.7% falsely perceived that they were STI tested (labelled ‘clean and clear’). Only approximately one in seven (14.7%) accurately understood the STI for which they were tested. In multivariate analyses, controlling for race, STI symptoms, depression, number of lifetime visits to the gynaecologist, and suspicion of current STI, three variables were significant: minority race (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.84, confidence interval (CI) = 1.38–16.96, P = 0.01), earlier age at sexual debut (AOR = 4.67, CI = 1.73–12.57, P = 0.002), and previous STI diagnosis (AOR = 3.38, CI = 1.07–10.66, P = 0.04). Comment: The findings suggest that many young women may have an inaccurate understanding of the STI testing they undergo during gynaecological care and may operate under the misperception they are ‘clean and clear’ of STI. Women with said misperception were more likely to be of minority race and report relatively earlier age of sexual debut and previous STI diagnosis. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether the ‘clean and clear’ misperception influences young women’s sexual risk behaviour.

scholarly journals Australian sexually transmissible infection and HIV testing guidelines for asymptomatic men who have sex with men 2014: a review of the evidence

Sexual Health ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 217 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Templeton ◽  
Phillip Read ◽  
Rajesh Varma ◽  
Christopher Bourne
Keyword(s):  
Nucleic Acid Amplification ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Chlamydia Testing ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection ◽  
Asymptomatic Men

Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Australia and overseas are disproportionately affected by sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including HIV. Many STIs are asymptomatic, so regular testing and management of asymptomatic MSM remains an important component of effective control. We reviewed articles from January 2009–May 2013 to inform the 2014 update of the 2010 Australian testing guidelines for asymptomatic MSM. Key changes include: a recommendation for pharyngeal chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) testing, use of nucleic acid amplification tests alone for gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) testing (without gonococcal culture), more frequent (up to four times a year) gonorrhoea and chlamydia testing in sexually active HIV-positive MSM, time required since last void for chlamydia first-void urine collection specified at 20 min, urethral meatal swab as an alternative to first-void urine for urethral chlamydia testing, and the use of electronic reminders to increase STI and HIV retesting rates among MSM.

Lower sexually transmissible infection prevalence among lifetime exclusive women who have sex with women compared with women who have sex with women and men

Sexual Health ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 592
Author(s):  
Christina A. Muzny ◽  
Richa Kapil ◽  
Erika L. Austin ◽  
Edward W. Hook ◽  
William M. Geisler
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Matched Group ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
History Of ◽  
Study Questionnaire ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background Sexually transmissible infection (STI) history, prevalence and seroprevalence among lifetime exclusive women who have sex with women (WSW) and an age-matched group of women who have sex with women and men (WSWM) was evaluated. Methods: Participants completed a study questionnaire and had genital specimens and sera collected for STI testing. Results: Twenty-one lifetime exclusive WSW and 42 WSWM were included. WSWM were more likely to report a history of prior STIs and be seropositive for chlamydia and HSV-2. Prevalent STIs were less common among WSW. Conclusions: While lifetime exclusive WSW are at risk of contracting STIs, WSWM are disproportionally affected. Healthcare providers should consider routine STI screening among WSW.

scholarly journals Self-reported testing and treatment histories among older Australian men and women who may be at risk of a sexually transmissible infection

Sexual Health ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Heywood ◽  
Anthony Lyons ◽  
Bianca Fileborn ◽  
Victor Minichiello ◽  
Catherine Barrett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Family Doctor ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Past ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Education Campaigns ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection

Background: Rates of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are increasing among older adults in many countries. Little is known about the testing and treatment histories of these populations. Correlates of testing in the past 5 years among older adults who may be at risk of a STI were examined. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 2137 Australians aged 60+ years that involved questions on STIs and STI testing was conducted in 2015. To help inform potential education campaigns, analyses focused on those who may have been at risk of a STI (n = 805, 38%). Results: Less than one in three reported a STI test in the past 5 years (n = 241, 30%) while 6% (n = 51) reported a STI diagnosis. Those diagnosed typically received treatment from a family doctor or general practitioner. Among men, lower testing rates were associated with older age, identifying as heterosexual, lower educational attainment, not using online dating and reporting one partner in the past 5 years. For women, lower rates of testing were found among those who did not use a condom at their most recent sexual encounter and those with one partner in the past 5 years. Conclusions: STI testing rates were low. This study indicates that consideration should be given to the way targeted education campaigns are formulated, such as emphasising the importance of STI testing to older people who are at risk, as well as encouraging healthcare professionals to discuss sexual health with their older patients.

Association between sexually transmissible infection testing, numbers of partners and talking to partners and friends about sexual health: survey of young adults

Sexual Health ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie A. Hendry ◽  
Graham Brown ◽  
Gary W. Dowsett ◽  
Marina Carman
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Group Method ◽  
Friendship Networks ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background Young adults, aged 18–30 years, comprise the largest proportion of sexually transmissible infection (STI) notifications in Australia compared with other age groups. Understanding the influence of partner and friendship networks on their STI testing practices may enhance health promotion efforts to increase testing for this group. Method: Participants aged 21–30 years, living in Australia for ≥3 years, were recruited within nightlife precincts in Melbourne, Australia. They completed a survey on demographic items, sexual health attitudes, sexual health knowledge and STI testing experiences and perceptions. Responses to items related to talking to partners and friends about STI testing were allocated partner and friend communication scores. Analyses included χ2 tests of independence and independent sample t-tests. Results: Overall, 36.5% (61/167) of participants had tested for STIs in the previous 12 months. Of those who had tested for STIs, most had significantly higher numbers of sexual partners in the same period (P < 0.05), and were significantly more likely to have felt at risk of STI acquisition (P < 0.05). Significantly greater mean partner and friend communication scores were associated with higher numbers of sexual partners, feeling at risk of STIs, and testing for STIs in the previous 12 months (all P < 0.05). There were no significant differences when participants were stratified by gender or age. Conclusion: Talking to partners and friends about STI testing is associated with testing rates for young adults. Feeling at risk and increased numbers of sexual partners may be associated with the promotion of STI testing among friends and partners.

scholarly journals Exploring pharmacy and home-based sexually transmissible infection testing

Sexual Health ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa A. Habel ◽  
Roberta Scheinmann ◽  
Elizabeth Verdesoto ◽  
Charlotte Gaydos ◽  
Maggie Bertisch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase I ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
College Graduates ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pharmacy Staff ◽  
The Past ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of pharmacy and home-based sexually transmissible infection (STI) screening as alternate testing venues among emergency contraception (EC) users. Methods: The study included two phases in February 2011–July 2012. In Phase I, customers purchasing EC from eight pharmacies in Manhattan received vouchers for free STI testing at onsite medical clinics. In Phase II, three Facebook ads targeted EC users to connect them with free home-based STI test kits ordered online. Participants completed a self-administered survey. Results: Only 38 participants enrolled in Phase I: 90% female, ≤29 years (74%), 45% White non-Hispanic and 75% college graduates; 71% were not tested for STIs in the past year and 68% reported a new partner in the past 3 months. None tested positive for STIs. In Phase II, ads led to >45000 click-throughs, 382 completed the survey and 290 requested kits; 28% were returned. Phase II participants were younger and less educated than Phase I participants; six tested positive for STIs. Challenges included recruitment, pharmacy staff participation, advertising with discretion and cost. Conclusions: This study found low uptake of pharmacy and home-based testing among EC users; however, STI testing in these settings is feasible and the acceptability findings indicate an appeal among younger women for testing in non-traditional settings. Collaborating with and training pharmacy and medical staff are key elements of service provision. Future research should explore how different permutations of expanding screening in non-traditional settings could improve testing uptake and detect additional STI cases.

Addressing sexually transmissible infection in HIV-positive patients. A clinical audit

Sexual Health ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Esler ◽  
Catriona Ooi
Keyword(s):  
New England ◽  
Clinical Audit ◽  
Sexual History ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
History Taking ◽  
Health Unit ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Sexual History Taking ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Australian guidelines for sexual history taking and sexually transmissible infection (STI) screening of HIV-positive patients do not exist. An audit was conducted to assess current practices of sexual history taking and STI testing of HIV-positive patients attending Hunter New England Sexual Health Unit.

scholarly journals Prenatal diagnosis of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia using allele- specific oligonucleotide probes

Blood ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 78 (9) ◽  
pp. 2276-2282 ◽  
Author(s):  
JG McFarland ◽  
RH Aster ◽  
JB Bussel ◽  
JG Gianopoulos ◽  
RS Derbes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Oligonucleotide Probe ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Gene Frequencies ◽  
The Past ◽  
Specific Oligonucleotide Probe ◽  
Allele Specific ◽  
Prenatal Interventions ◽  
Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia ◽  
Not At Risk

Abstract The prediction of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NATP) in affected families has, in the past, been based on information about gene frequencies of the antigen systems involved, parental phenotyping, and fetal platelet counts. We explored the feasibility of allele- specific oligonucleotide probe typing for PIA antigens to determine the risk of second or subsequent fetuses in families where one infant had a diagnosis of anti-PIA1-mediated NATP. A total of eight families at risk for delivering an affected fetus were studied with both serologic and oligonucleotide typing. The correlation between serologic and oligonucleotide PIA types was 100%. Similarly, in an additional eight families not at risk for PIA1-mediated NATP, serologic and oligonucleotide typing maintained a perfect correlation. DNA isolated from fetal leukocytes as well as fetal amniocytes was successfully typed using this technology. Oligonucleotide-based typing of fetuses at risk for NATP whose fathers are heterozygous for the PIA antigens allows early recognition of affected fetuses so that prenatal therapy of mothers can be instituted if necessary. When fetuses are found to be unaffected, invasive, and/or expensive, prenatal interventions can be avoided.

Early diagnosis of HIV among men who have sex with men in Western Australia: impact of a peer-led sexually transmissible infection testing service

Sexual Health ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Byron C. Minas ◽  
Carolien M. Giele ◽  
Sue C. Laing ◽  
Lisa Bastian ◽  
Andrew W. Burry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Testing Service ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Time Periods ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Western Australian ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background In July 2010, the Western Australian AIDS Council established the ‘M Clinic’, a peer-led STI testing service for MSM. This study describes trends in HIV notifications among MSM in WA from 2004 to 2013, particularly the impact of the M Clinic on newly acquired HIV diagnoses. Methods: The number and proportion of MSM HIV cases with newly acquired infection were compared for the 2004–2006, 2007–2009 and 2011–2013 time periods. Data from 2010 were excluded as the M Clinic opened in July 2010. Results: Between the 2004–2006 and 2007–2009 periods, the number of MSM with newly acquired HIV increased by 50% (23 to 33 cases) and the number of newly acquired cases as a proportion of all new HIV diagnoses among MSM increased from 27% to 35% (30% increase) (P = 0.25). In the 2011–2013 period, the number of newly acquired HIV cases among MSM more than doubled to 70 cases and comprised 53% of all new HIV diagnoses among MSM (P < 0.05). Of the 70 newly acquired HIV cases in the 2011–2013 period, 30% (n = 21) were diagnosed at the M Clinic. Conclusions: The proportion of MSM HIV notifications that were newly acquired increased between 2004 and 2013 in WA, with the greatest increase seen after the M Clinic commenced operation. A peer-led approach to HIV testing should be considered in order to achieve early diagnosis and treatment of HIV among MSM.

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