Syphilis and HIV Infection among Prisoners in Maputo, Mozambique

1995 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Gama Vaz ◽  
Stephen Gloyd ◽  
Elena Folgosa ◽  
Joan Kreiss

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 1284 male and 54 female prisoners to assess the prevalence of and risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in 4 correctional institutions of Maputo, Mozambique. Among the men, 32% reported a history of prostitute contact and 41% reported a history of STD. Only 9% reported having ever used condoms. Seventy (5.5%) men reported having had sexual intercourse while in prison, in all but one instance this involved sex with another man. There was no reported intravenous drug use. One hundred and four (7.8%) inmates had positive serological tests for syphilis and 8 (0.6%) had antibodies to HIV. Among men, syphilis was associated with a history of genital ulcer [odds ratio (OR) = 3.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.4, 6.4] and uncircumcised status (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0, 2.5). This study demonstrates that syphilis is common among inmates in Maputo and that risk behaviours for STD transmission exist within Maputo prisons. There is a need for STD screening and treatment programmes within prisons in Mozambique and the introduction of educational interventions, including condom promotion.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Berhanu Nega Alemu ◽  
Adamu Addissie ◽  
Gemechis Mamo ◽  
Negussie Deyessa ◽  
Tamrat Abebe ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundAnti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests are being increasingly used for sero-epidemiological purposes to provide better understanding of the extent of the infection in the community, and monitoring the progression of the COVID-19 epidemic. We conducted sero-prevalence study to estimate prior infection with with SARS-CoV-2 in Addis Ababa.MethodsA cross-sectional study was done from April 23 to 28, 2020 among 301 randomly selected residents of Addis Ababa; with no known history of contact with confirmed COVID-19 person. Interviews on socio demographic and behavioural risk factor followed by serological tests were performed for SARS-CoV-2 IgM, and IgG antibodies, using COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Cassette. The test has sensitivity of 87·9% and specificity of 100% for lgM; and a sensitivity of 97·2% and specificity of 100% for IgG. RT-PCR test was also done on combined nasopharyngeal and oropharengeal swabs as an important public health consideration.FindingsThe unadjusted antibody-based crude SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was 7·6% and the adjusted true SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was estimated at 8·8% (95% CI 5·5%-11·6%) for the study population. Higher sero-prevalence were observed for males (9.0%), age below 50 years (8.2%), students and unemployed (15.6%), those with primary education (12.1%), smokers (7.8%), alcohol consumers (8.6%), chatt-chewers (13.6%) and shish smokers (18.8%). Seroprevalence was not significantly associated neither with socio-demographic not behavioral characteristics. According to the findings, possibly more individuals had been infected in Addis Ababa than what was being detected and reported by RT-PCR test suggestive of community transmission. The use of serological test for epidemiological estimation of the extent of SARS-CoV-2 epidemic gives a more precise estimate of magnitude which would be used for further monitoring and surveillance of the magnitude of the SARS CoV-2 infection.


2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-140
Author(s):  
Nevena V. Tzvetanova ◽  
Joana I. Simeonova ◽  
Yanka I. Tzvetanova

Summary The aim of this study was to identify risk sexual behavior in students aged 12-18 in Veliko Turnovo region. A cross-sectional study was carried-out in 2014. Three hundred and ten students attending seven schools filled in a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included 48 questions, sixteen of which collected information about sexual behaviour, regarding contraception, casual sex with different partners, sexually transmitted diseases (STD), hygiene after sex, etc. The data were processed with SPSS.v.19. Parametric and non-parametric statistical methods were applied. Over 50% of the students reported being sexually active, most of them since they turned 16. Almost half of the respondents had had casual sexual partners and 46 percent had had sex within a week after initiation of a new relationship. Less than one third of the students reported safe sex behaviour. Seven percent of the students had a history of STDs, and one in six did not practice proper hygiene after sex. Identification of all aspects of risk sexual behavior in students aged 12-18 provides an opportunity to study the problem systematically and comprehensively. Planning and implementation of effective health education programs in schools require the application of an integrated approach with the participation of students, teachers, parents, health professionals and policy makers.


Author(s):  
Tassang Andrew ◽  
Celestina Neh Fru ◽  
Mike Robert Brady ◽  
Frederick Nchang Cho ◽  
Tassang Thierry ◽  
...  

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is a worldwide disease, with 85% of new cases occurring in developing countries in general and Africa south of the Sahara in particular. Aim: The objective of this study was to find possible factors that could affect knowledge about CC and some CC risk factors in our community. Study Design: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Buea, Mutengene, and Tiko. Result: Knowledge about CC is modulated by the level of education and the young age of women. Risk factors, although universal, seem to vary according to the geographical area and the socio-cultural environment where one lives. Some risk factors identified are; early onset of sexual intercourse, polygamous marriages, multiple sexual partners, the sexual behavior of the male partner, Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), Human Deficiency Virus (HIV), and history of genital warts. Conclusion: None enhancement of lifestyle as the voluntary refusal of cervical cancer screening and CC vaccination has also been risky for CC.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Belayneh Ayanaw Kassie ◽  
Hedja Yenus ◽  
Resom Berhe ◽  
Eskeziaw Abebe Kassahun

Abstract Introduction Globally, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major public health problem. University students tend to practices sex which predisposes them to sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, and unsafe abortions due to their freedom from families. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and associated factors among the University of Gondar students, northwest Ethiopia. Methods An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted on 845 the University of Gondar students selected using the multistage sampling technique from March 7–10, 2016. The data were collected using a structured, pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed through SPSS version 20 to identify factors associated with sexually transmitted infections. Odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was computed to determine the level of association. In the multivariable analysis, variables with p-value less than 5% were considered as statistically significant association between covariates and sexually transmitted infections. Result Sexually transmitted infections among university students were found to be 18.20% (95%CI,15.40,20.80). Previous history of sexually transmitted infections (AOR = 2.1; 95%CI: 1.04, 4.38), multiple sexual partners in life (AOR = 2.7; 95%CI:1.70, 4.40), not use of condoms during sexual intercourses (AOR = 2.4; 95%CI:1.50,3.75) and poor knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (AOR = 3.3; 95%CI:1.09,5.32) were significantly associated with sexually transmitted infections. Conclusion The prevalence of STIs was high among university students. The previous history of sexually transmitted infections, multiple sexual partners, not using condoms during sexual intercourse and poor knowledge of sexually transmitted infections were found to be associated with the infections. Opening and strengthen reproductive health centers on the campuses, popularizing sexual, and reproductive health information and education, particularly on STI modes of transmission, prevention, and health-seeking behaviors, and providing information on accessing of condoms is recommended to reduce sexually transmitted infections.


2005 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. 789-793 ◽  
Author(s):  
E M Mbizvo ◽  
S E Msuya ◽  
B Stray-Pedersen ◽  
M Z Chirenje ◽  
A Hussain

Women in developing countries often present for medical care with advanced cervical cancer, although this condition is preventable through regular screening and early treatment. This study sought to identify the prevalence and risk factors for cervical dyskaryosis among women in Zimbabwe with and without HIV. In a cross-sectional study, 200 consenting women were screened for cervical dyskaryosis and sexually transmitted infections (STI). The relationship between various risk factors for cervical dyskaryosis was examined. The overall prevalence of cervical dyskaryosis was high (19%), and significantly higher among HIV-infected women at 30% compared with 13% among seronegative women, with a peak at a younger age among seropositive women. Use of intravaginal herbs, practising intravaginal cleansing, being single, a history of three or more lifetime sexual partners and a history of previous STI were associated with cervical dysplasia. The high frequency of cervical abnormality lends weight to the demand for implementation of regular screening programmes and health education.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathália Alves Araujo de Almeida ◽  
Lyana Rodrigues Pinto Lima ◽  
Marco Antonio Moreira Puga ◽  
Julio Croda ◽  
Marco Aurelio Horta ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The Herpes simplex virus type 2, currently classified as Human alphaherpesvirus 2 (HSV-2) is the main cause of genital herpes, one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the world. STIs are one of the major public health problems in prisons due to the behaviors of prisoners and the factors that increase the risk of transmission. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with HSV-2 infection at 12 prisons in Mato Grosso of Sul, Brazil. Results: We tested 872 serum samples (732 males and 140 females) for anti-HSV-2 IgG and anti-HSV-2 IgM. The overall HSV-2 IgG prevalence was 43.1%, and the prevalence was greater in males than females (32.1% vs. 11%). The prevalence of HSV-2 in females were 3.4 times more than in males in adjusted model. Among the 184 samples HSV-2 IgG tested for IgM anti HSV-2, 46% were positive. The prevalence of HSV-2 positivity was much greater than reported in the general population of Brazil and in other prison populations worldwide. The multivariable model adjusted, indicated significant and independent associations of HSV-2 IgG positivity with female sex, age older than 29 to 39 years, unmarried status, history of STI, no previous incarceration, being incarcerated with more than 26 others, presence of genital discharge, previous homosexual intercourse, HIV-positivity, and no use/occasional use of condoms during sexual intercourse. Conclusions: This is the first study that evaluated HSV-2 in a prison population in Brazil. These data provide important information needed to implement procedures that better prevent and control of STIs in prison populations.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Egle Tvarijonaviciene ◽  
Ruta Jolanta Nadisauskiene ◽  
Kristina Jariene ◽  
Valdemaras Kruminis

Objectives. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of medical history in the diagnosis of tubal pathology among subfertile patients. Patients and Methods. Prospective cross-sectional study was performed. Prior to tubal evaluation, medical history data were collected. Sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios (LRs) for predicting tubal pathology as determined by laparoscopy and dye test were calculated for each issue of medical history. Results. 39.6 % (59/149) were diagnosed with tubal pathology. The sensitivity for the different issues ranged between 1.7 and 54.2% and the specificity between 75.6 and 97.8%. The estimated highest value of positive LR is attributed to the history of ectopic pregnancy and lowest of negative LR to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and abdominal surgery. Conclusion. The positive history of PID, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), abdominal and laparoscopic surgery, and ectopic pregnancy are satisfactory screening tests for ruling the tubal pathology in. The negative history of evaluated issues is inappropriate for ruling the tubal damage out.


Health Scope ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyed Mohammad Hashemi Shahri ◽  
Fatemeh Ansari-Moghadam ◽  
Alireza Ansari Moghadam

Background: Homeless people are prone to sexually transmitted and blood-borne infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV due to their risky behaviors and low awareness of various diseases. Objectives: Thus, the present research aimed to examine the epidemiologic patterns of HBV, HCV, HIV, and related factors among the homeless population of Zahedan in 2019. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 329 homeless people. Eligible people were selected using a convenience sampling method from homeless individuals residing in care centers affiliated with the Welfare Organization and the Health Deputy of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. Data on the demographic and behavioral characteristics of the cases were collected through a structured questionnaire completed in face-to-face interviews. A 10 cc blood sample was taken from each of the cases for serological tests of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. The test results and collected data were entered in SPSS16 software. Logistic regression analysis and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data. Results: The majority of the cases (84%) were males, and 59% were in the age-group of 35 - 50 years. Of the subjects, 93% had a history of drug abuse, 74% reported a history of smoking, and 45% had tattoos. The prevalence of hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV was 13%, 2.7%, and 0.3%, respectively (only one case of HIV was identified). In a multi-variate model, imprisonment history [OR = 2.32 (1.08 - 4.98)], history of sexual abuse [OR = 3.73 (1.36 - 10.26)], being widowed or divorced [OR = 2.83, (1.21 - 6.64)], and history of injection with shared needles and syringes [OR = 5.11 (1.97 - 13.28)] remained the predicting factors of hepatitis C. Conclusions: Based on the obtained results of the study, homeless people are more prone to infections with HCV, HBV, and HIV due to their risky behaviors. Therefore, a need is highlighted for preventive interventions and developing the level of health literacy in this group regarding behaviors contributing to the aforementioned infections.


BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e018803 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra dos Santos Domingues ◽  
Nicole Selleski ◽  
Rosa Harumi Uenishi ◽  
Cristina Medeiros Ribeiro de Magalhães ◽  
Lenora Gandolfi ◽  
...  

BackgroundKawasaki disease (KD) is a self-limited acute systemic vasculitis of unknown aetiology that predominantly affects infants and young children eventually associated with immunological abnormalities. Coeliac disease (CD) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease characterised by a permanent gluten intolerance, which affects genetically susceptible individuals of any age group, and can cause intestinal and systemic symptoms. Association of CD with KD has been previously described in a single study that disclosed a surprisingly high prevalence of CD in children with a history of KD.ObjectiveTo confirm the existence of a higher prevalence of CD among individuals with a history of KD, which would turn the screening for CD in patients with history of KD highly advisable.SettingChildren with history of KD, diagnosed and followed at the Rheumatology Clinic of the Children’s Hospital of Brasilia (Brasilia, Brazil).ParticipantsThis study included 110 children with history of KD and a control group composed of 110 presumably healthy children.InterventionsParticipants underwent anti-transglutaminase and anti-endomysial antibodies tests and genetic typing for the presence of CD predisposing alleles (HLA-DQ2 and DQ8). Jejunal biopsy was performed when necessary, according the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition guidelines.ResultsDiagnosis of CD was confirmed in one (0.91%) patient with KD by positive serological tests, presence of predisposing alleles and CD typical lesions on duodenal biopsy. All serological tests were negative among the controls. The prevalence of CD predisposing alleles among patients with KD was 29.09%, similar to the prevalence found among controls, 33.64%.ConclusionThe detected CD prevalence (0.91%) does not confirm the existence of an association between KD and CD since this prevalence is similar to that found in the general population (≃1%).


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