Factors associated with declining to report the number of sexual partners using computer-assisted self-interviewing: a cross-sectional study among individuals attending a sexual health centre in Melbourne, Australia

Sexual Health ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric P. F. Chow ◽  
John B. Carlin ◽  
Tim R. H. Read ◽  
Marcus Y. Chen ◽  
Catriona S. Bradshaw ◽  
...  

Background The number of sexual partners is one of the most important risk factors for sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including HIV. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between declining to report the number of partners using computer-assisted self-interviewing (CASI) and HIV or STI positivity at a public sexual health centre in Melbourne, Australia, in 2016. Methods: Individuals were categorised into three risk populations: women, men who have sex with women only (MSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM). Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between declining to report the number of sexual partners in the past 12 months and HIV or STI positivity for women and MSW, with generalised estimating equations (GEE) used for estimation in MSM to address repeated-measures within individuals. Results: In all, 18085 individuals (5579 women, 6013 MSW, 6493 MSM) were included in the final analysis. There was no association between chlamydia positivity and declining to respond among women and MSW. MSM who declined to respond were more likely to be chlamydia positive (adjusted odds ratio1.21; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.43). Known HIV-positive MSM and MSM newly diagnosed with HIV had 3.31-fold (95% CI 2.48–4.42) and 2.82-fold (95% CI 1.84–4.32) greater odds respectively of declining to respond compared with HIV-negative MSM. Gonorrhoea and syphilis positivity in MSM were not associated with declining to respond. Conclusions: There was no association between declining to report the number of partners and chlamydia positivity among women and MSW. However, MSM who declined to report the number of partners were slightly more likely to have chlamydia and substantially more likely to be HIV positive.


Sexual Health ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 114
Author(s):  
Isabella Bradley ◽  
Rick Varma ◽  
Vickie Knight ◽  
Dimitra Iliakis ◽  
Leon McNally ◽  
...  

Background Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) have been increasing in men who have sex with men (MSM) in recent years; however, few studies have investigated the prevalence or antimicrobial resistance in rectal Mycoplasma genitalium in this group. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of rectal M. genitalium in MSM attending an urban sexual health service in Sydney, Australia, namely the Sydney Sexual Health Centre (SSHC), as well as estimate the rate of macrolide resistance. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted of rectally asymptomatic MSM having a rectal swab collected as part of their routine care. Participants self-collected a rectal swab to be tested for M. genitalium and completed a 14-item questionnaire that provided information on behavioural risk factors. The prevalence of rectal M. genitalium was determined and multivariate analysis was performed to assess the associations for this infection. Positive specimens then underwent testing for macrolide-resistant mutations (MRMs) using the ResistancePlus MG assay (SpeeDx, Eveleigh, NSW, Australia). Results: In all, 742 patients were consecutively enrolled in the study. The median age was 31 years (interquartile range 27–39 years), with 43.0% born in Australia. Overall, 19.0% of men were bisexual, 22.9% were taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and 4.3% were HIV positive. The prevalence of rectal M. genitalium was 7.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.3–9.1) overall and 11.8% in those taking PrEP. On multivariate analysis, PrEP use was significantly associated with having rectal M. genitalium (odds ratio 2.01; 95% CI 1.09–3.73; P = 0.01). MRMs were detected in 75.0% (36/48; 95% CI 60.4–86.4%) of infections. Conclusion: Rates of rectal M. genitalium infection were high among asymptomatic MSM attending SSHC and MRMs were detected in 75% of infections. PrEP use was found to be significantly associated with rectal M. genitalium infection. These data contribute to the evidence base for screening guidelines in MSM.



2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (44) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ei T Aung ◽  
Eric PF Chow ◽  
Christopher K Fairley ◽  
Jane S Hocking ◽  
Catriona S Bradshaw ◽  
...  

Background International travel is considered a risk factor for acquiring Chlamydia trachomatis; however, there are little empirical data to support this. Aim To examine the prevalence and risk factors for Chlamydia trachomatis infections among heterosexual international travellers (n = 28,786) attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC), Australia, compared to Australian residents (n = 20,614). Methods We conducted a repeated cross-sectional study and analysed sexual behaviours and chlamydia positivity among heterosexual males and females aged ≤ 30 attending MSHC for the first time between January 2007 and February 2017. ‘Travellers’ were defined as individuals born outside of Australia who had resided in the country < 2 years. Associations between patient characteristics and chlamydia positivity were examined. Results Chlamydia positivity was higher among travellers (11.2%) compared with Australian residents (8.5%; p < 0.001). Male travellers had higher chlamydia positivity (12.1%) than Australian males (9.3%; p < 0.001), as did female travellers (10.4%) compared with Australian females (7.7%; p < 0.001). Travellers had a higher mean number of sexual partners than Australian residents among males (5.7 vs 4.7; p < 0.001) and females (3.6 vs 3.2; p < 0.001). Travellers from the United Kingdom, Europe, Ireland and New Zealand accounted for 29.6%, 21%, 8.5% and 5.8% of C. trachomatis infections, respectively. Chlamydia in males and females was associated with younger age (≤ 25), inconsistent condom use, a higher number of sexual partners (≥ 4 partners) and being a traveller (p < 0.001). Conclusions We found that international travel is an independent risk factor for chlamydia among young heterosexual travellers in Australia, who should therefore be a target group for chlamydia prevention.



Sexual Health ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew E. Dunn ◽  
Merryn McKinnon

Background The rate of notifications of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) in Australians has increased dramatically, especially in those aged 16–30 years. This age bracket, typical of university students, is the most likely to report multiple sexual partners in the previous year. Individuals who have sex with multiple partners in a year have a significantly increased chance of contracting an STI, making them an important audience for sexual health promotion. This study aimed to determine how university sexual health promotion events can better reach this higher-risk subset of the population. Methods: Two anonymous cross-sectional surveys were used to understand current and ideal sexual health promotion events through the perspectives of student leaders (n = 62) and general university students (n = 502). Results: Students who had more than one sexual partner in the previous year (the higher-risk group) made up 22.7% of the students sampled. Higher-risk students differed substantially from lower-risk students in terms of preferred event types, incentives and topics to be covered, often prioritising those rarely used in current university sexual health events. Conclusion: While current university sexual health events include some features that align with student priorities, elements beyond sexual health information, such as social activity, alcohol incentives and on-site sexual health testing, can be helpful tools to attract students with higher numbers of sexual partners.



2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 598-602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent J Cornelisse ◽  
David Priest ◽  
Christopher K Fairley ◽  
Sandra Walker ◽  
Catriona S Bradshaw ◽  
...  

Previous studies have shown that men who have sex with men (MSM) who use smartphone dating applications (apps) are at higher risk of gonorrhoea, but not HIV. We have hypothesised that kissing may be a risk factor for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea. We measured differences in kissing practices among MSM who use different methods to find male casual sexual partners (CSPs). If MSM who use apps kiss more CSPs, then this may help to explain why these men are at increased risk of gonorrhoea but not HIV. This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study of MSM attending Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Australia, between March and September 2015. We measured differences in kissing practices among MSM who use different methods to find male casual sexual partners (CSPs). The questionnaire included questions about numbers of CSPs, numbers of CSPs kissed, and how men found CSPs. We surveyed 753 MSM with a median age of 29 years (interquartile range 25–36). Six hundred and one men (79.8%) reported using apps to find CSPs in the last three months. Users of apps had a higher number of CSPs than non-users (5.0 vs. 3.2; p < 0.001). Users of apps kissed a higher number (4.6 vs. 2.2; p < 0.001), and a higher proportion (90.4% vs. 71.0%; p < 0.001) of CSPs compared to non-users. We are currently investigating whether kissing is a significant mode of transmission of gonorrhoea, and if this proves correct then this study suggests that users of apps would particularly benefit from health promotion that addresses this mode of transmission.



Sexual Health ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Yong Ma ◽  
Nathan Ryder ◽  
Lynne Wray ◽  
Anna McNulty

Background: The use of self-collected specimens to test for sexually transmissible infections (STI) has reduced the opportunity for physical examination. Physical examination has been found to be of limited value in asymptomatic heterosexual women and men; however, prior studies have excluded higher risk populations. We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study to determine the diagnostic yield of physical examination among all clients attending our sexual health service. Methods: The Sydney Sexual Health Centre database was used to identify asymptomatic clients attending for the first time between January and June 2009. Demographic and behavioural data were extracted from the database for all clients. Medical records were then manually reviewed to determine the number and nature of diagnoses related to the examination and whether this varied by sex and sex of sexual partners. Results: Of the 590 clients included, 450 (76%) received anogenital examinations. Ten (2.2%; 95% confidence interval 1.1–4.1%) STI were found, including four cases of cervicitis, four of anogenital warts and two of molluscum. Nineteen (4.2%) other non-STI conditions were detected, mostly in heterosexual women and men who have sex with men (MSM). Conclusion: Physical examination of asymptomatic clients attending our sexual health clinic was of limited value, even among higher risk individuals such as MSM. Sexual health clinics should direct resources currently used to examine clients towards increasing the STI testing rate.



BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e033290
Author(s):  
Karel Blondeel ◽  
Sonia Dias ◽  
Martina Furegato ◽  
Armando Seuc ◽  
Ana Gama ◽  
...  

ObjectivesPortugal has the highest HIV incidence rate in Western Europe. The proportion assigned to sexual contact between men recently increased to more than 30% of all HIV infections. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are vulnerable to the acquisition of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), increasing the per-contact risk of HIV infection. Building on syndemic theory, the aim of this analysis was to identify patterns of current sexual behaviour in MSM, and explore their relationship with self-reported current, past STI diagnoses and HIV positive serostatus.DesignA cross-sectional behavioural survey was conducted in Portugal among MSM, using a community-based participatory research approach. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify patterns including behavioural and demographic factors.ResultsThe analysis resulted in six clusters. Three clusters showed higher rates of current STI diagnosis (ranging from 11.7% to 17.1%), past STI diagnosis (ranging from 25.5% to 41.5%) and HIV positive serostatus (ranging from 13.0% to 16.7%). From the three clusters scoring lower on current and past STI and HIV diagnoses, one was characterised by a high number of sexual partners (62% had more than 12 partners in the last year), a high proportion (94.6%) of frequent visits to gay venues to meet sexual partners and high alcohol use (46.1%). The other two clusters scored lower on high risk sexual behaviour.ConclusionFactors other than sexual behaviour appear to reinforce the vulnerability to STIs and HIV of some MSM in this study, suggesting a syndemic of STIs, HIV and other adverse conditions. More research is needed to better understand the drivers of the STI/HIV epidemic in Portuguese MSM, using a concept that goes beyond risk behaviour, to develop effective combination prevention interventions.





2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Kadek Yulita Dewi Lestari ◽  
Desak Nyoman Widyanthini ◽  
I Ketut Tangking Widarsa

ABSTRAK Infeksi Menular Seksual (IMS) adalah infeksi yang penularannya terutama melalui hubungan seksual. Di Indonesia, jumlah kasus IMS pada tahun 2014 terjadi sebanyak 5608 kasus. Dinas Kesehatan Provinsi Bali mencatat jumlah pasien IMS yang ditemukan pada tahun 2013 sebanyak 9.202 orang. Jumlah ini meningkat sebanyak 62,17% pada tahun 2014 dan mengalami penurunan sebanyak 61,82% pada tahun 2015. Data yang diperoleh dari Dinas Kesehatan Kota Denpasar menunjukkan bahwa dari keseluruhan kasus di Kota Denpasar pada tahun 2016, kasus IMS tertinggi berada di wilayah Puskesmas II Denpasar Utara yaitu sebanyak 36,94 %. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui kejadian IMS berdasarkan karakteristik sosial demografi meliputi jenis penyakit, umur, jenis kelamin, pendidikan terakhir, status perkawinan, pekerjaan, kelompok risiko, pemakaian kondom dan jumlah pasangan seksual pada bagian IMS di Puskesmas II Denpasar Utara tahun 2014-2016.  Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif dengan desain penelitian cross sectional retrospektif. Populasi dan sampel pada penelitian ini adalah seluruh pasien yang berkunjung ke Klinik IMS Puskesmas II Denpasar Utara periode tahun 2014-2016 yang diperoleh secara total sampling. Data sekunder yang diperoleh selanjutnya diolah secara statistik dengan menggunakan stata.  Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kejadian IMS lebih tinggi pada kelompok umur 41-50 sebanyak 25%, subjek laki-laki sebanyak 26,4%, tidak pernah sekolah sebanyak 12,5%, subjek dengan status kawin sebanyak 37,6%, pekerjaan berisiko sebanyak 25,5%, kelompok WPS sebanyak 60%, subjek yang kadang-kadang memakai kondom sebanyak 18,2% dan jumlah pasangan seksual >1 sebanyak 39,4%.  Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah kejadian IMS di Puskesmas II Denpasar Utara tahun 2014-2016 yaitu 7,4%-13%. Kejadian IMS lebih tinggi pada kelompok umur 41-50 dengan pekerjaan berisiko, kelompok WPS dan jumlah pasangan seksual >1. Tiga jenis IMS yang paling sering terjadi di Puskesmas II Denpasar Utara dalam 3 tahun terakhir yaitu Urethritis Non-GO disusul Servisitis dan Kandidiasis. Diharapkan sasaran dalam pelaksanaan program IMS tidak hanya bagi penderita namun juga bagi pasangannya dan tidak hanya menyasar kelompok risiko seperti WPS namun juga pelanggan PS. Kata Kunci: Kejadian, IMS, karakteristik, cross sectional retrospektif     ABSTRACT Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)  are transmitted infections mainly through sexual contact. In Indonesia, the number of STI cases in 2014 reached 5608 cases. The Bali Provincial Health Service recorded 9,202 STI patients found in 2013. This number increased by 62.17% in 2014 and decreased by 61.82% in 2015. Data obtained from the Denpasar City Health Office showed that of all cases in Denpasar City in 2016, the highest STI cases were in the Puskesmas area II North Denpasar as much as 36.94%. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of STIs based on socio-demographic characteristics including the type of disease, age, sex, recent education, marital status, occupation, risk group, condom use and number of sexual partners in the STI section at Puskesmas II Denpasar Utara in 2014-2016 . This research is a descriptive study with a retrospective cross sectional research design. The population and sample in this study were all patients who visited the IMS Clinic II North Denpasar Health Center for the period 2014-2016 obtained in total sampling. The secondary data obtained are then processed statistically using stata. The results showed that the incidence of STIs was higher in the 41-50 age group by 25%, male subjects by 26.4%, never attending school by 12.5%, subjects with marital status by 37.6%, occupations at risk as much as 25.5%, FSW group as much as 60%, subjects who sometimes used condoms as much as 18.2% and the number of sexual partners> 1 were 39.4%. The conclusion of this study is the incidence of STIs in Puskesmas II Denpasar Utara in 2014-2016, namely 7.4% -13%. The incidence of STIs was higher in the 41-50 age group with risk jobs, FSW groups and number of sexual partners> 1. Three types of STIs that most often occur in Puskesmas II Denpasar Utara in the last 3 years, namely Non-GO Urethritis followed by Cervicitis and Candidiasis. It is expected that the target in the implementation of the IMS program is not only for sufferers but also for their partners and not only targeting risk groups such as WPS but also PS customers. Keywords: Occurrence, STI, characteristic, retrospective cross sectional



2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rewel Kariuki ◽  
Gilbert Koome Rithaa ◽  
Oyugi Elvis ◽  
Daniel Gachathi

Abstract Background: Identification of people living with HIV is key in HIV prevention and control. Partner Notification service is a World Health Organization backed strategy of reaching out to sexual partners of people diagnosed with HIV for HIV testing. However, its adoption and success rate in Kenya remains unknown.Methods: A cross sectional facility based study was undertaken in five purposively selected health facilities in Muranga County, Kenya. A retrospective review of patient medical records data for HIV positive index clients and their Sexual Partners conducted. Census approach applied to extract data for study subjects from Partner Notification Service registers for the period covering January 2017 to August 2018. Epi Info software was used for data analysis.Results: A total of 183 index clients offered Partner notification services. The mean age of the indexed clients studied was 39(SD ±13.1). Females comprised 64 % of clients studied. Of the 183 indexed clients, 89% accepted the services and elicited 216 sexual partners for tracing. The ratio of elicited sexual partners to index client was 1.3:1. Out of the 216 sexual partners, 77% were reached and tested. A total of 46 [32%] of the sexual partners elicited and traced, tested HIV positive. The most preferred approaches were provider referral (51%) and contract referral (45%). Dual referral (4%) was the least preferred approach. Conclusions: Partner notification services is acceptable and an effective strategy of increasing HIV case identification and raising awareness to exposed sexual partners in low resource countries.



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