scholarly journals Prevalence and associated factors of sexually transmitted infections among methamphetamine users in Eastern China: a cross-sectional study

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xing Ye ◽  
Fu-Rong Li ◽  
Qing Pan ◽  
Zhen Li ◽  
Gong-Qi Yu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The reported incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in China has been increasing over the last decades, especially among drug users, which has become one of the main burdens of public health in China. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of STIs among non-injecting methamphetamine (MA) users in Eastern China. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 632 MA users in Eastern China in 2017. Demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, behaviors of MA use and sexual health knowledge were collected through questionnaire. First pass urine specimens were collected and detected for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) with Nucleic Acid Amplification Technology (NAAT), while blood specimens were collected and detected for antibodies of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2), and syphilis with enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). Results Among the 632 MA users, 464 (73.42%) were males, 60.92% were < 35 years of age, 546 (86.39%) were Shandong residents. 317 (50.16%, 95% CI 46.26–54.06%) participants were tested positive for at least one kind of STIs, including 242 (38.29%, 95% CI 34.50–42.08%) for HSV-2, 107 (16.93%, 95% CI 14.01–19.85%) for active syphilis, 46 (7.28%, 95% CI 5.25–9.31%) for treated syphilis, 40 (6.33%, 95% CI 4.43–8.23%) for CT, 6 (0.95%, 95% CI 0.19–1.71%) for HIV, and 3 (0.47%, 95% CI 0.06–1.00%) for NG infection. 99 (15.66%, 95% CI 12.83–18.49%) participants were co-infected with two kinds of STIs, including 91 (14.40%, 95% CI 11.66–17.14%) participants were co-infected with HSV-2 and syphilis. 14 (2.22%, 95% CI 1.07–3.37%) participants were co-infected with three kinds of STIs, and 4 HIV positive participants were co-infected with both syphilis and HSV-2. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the results showed that females (adjusted OR [AOR] = 7.30, 95% CI 4.34–12.30) and individuals ≥ 35 years of age (AOR = 2.97, 95% CI 2.04–4.32) were more likely to test positive for STIs among MA users, whereas participants who acquired sexual health knowledge primarily from the Internet (AOR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.40–0.82) and those whose regular partners did not use drugs (AOR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.37–0.94) were less likely. Conclusions This study found that the prevalence of HSV-2 and syphilis are alarming high among non-injecting MA users in Shandong Province in Eastern China. The prevention and control intervention of STIs among MA users in Shandong were needed, especially on females and MA users ≥ 35 years of age.

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gloria Kaale ◽  
Mikidadi Muhanga

Background: Sexual health knowledge (SHK) is very crucial as the world is facing HIV/AIDS tragedy, increased cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unsafe abortions among adolescents. It is obvious that knowledge is an important prevention factor for any disease.Objectives: The study was conducted to assess knowledge and attitude on sexual health among secondary school students in Morogoro Municipality. Specifically the study (I: (i) examined students’ knowledge and attitude on sexual transmitted infections, (ii) analyzed student's awareness on early pregnancy prevention, and; (iii) determined students’ knowledge on issues related to puberty.Methods: The study involved 75 respondents from five secondary schools and 13 key informants through purposive sampling and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) ver.12.Results: Findings revealed that 79.8% of the respondents had knowledge on sexually transmitted infections, 86.5% were aware ofmethods of controlling early pregnancies; 83.9% have never used protective gears during sexual intercourses, and 54.7% did not understand a menstruation cycle.Conclusion: The study recommended for provision of sexual health knowledge to students to reduce incidences of early pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections; likewise on the need to use protective gears during sexual intercourses. Knowledge concerning sexual health is vital for all particularly for adolescents, as they are vulnerable to adopt negative behaviors if not guided properly and at the right age.


Sexual Health ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Dean ◽  
Marion Mitchell ◽  
Donald Stewart ◽  
Joseph Debattista

Background Forced migration is associated with sexual vulnerability. However, little is known about the sexual health literacy and needs of refugee-background youth post resettlement. Methods: Conducted in partnership with the Queensland Sudanese community, this study used a cross-sectional survey to explore the sexual health knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of a convenience sample of 16- to 24-year-old Sudanese-background youth in Australia (n = 229). Results: Sexually transmissible infection (STI) and HIV knowledge scores were generally low, although they were found to significantly improve the longer participants had lived in Australia (P < 0.001). Female participants reported significantly higher levels of both STI and HIV knowledge compared with the male cohort (P < 0.001). The aggregated sexual risk behaviour score suggests generally low levels of risk-taking behaviour. However, of the 140 sexually active participants, 3.1% reported a STI diagnosis, 9.0% reported sex leading to a pregnancy and 33.1% reported they had experienced unwanted sex. Participants also reported engaging in behaviours such as anal sex (33%) and sharing injecting drug equipment. Conclusions: Patterns of sexual behaviour among this predominately refugee-background group are not dissimilar to those of other young Australians. Nonetheless, the self-reported patterns of risk behaviour combined with the low and inaccurate levels of sexual health knowledge suggest this group of young people remain sexually vulnerable, particularly early within their resettlement experience. Culturally and contextually informed sexual health interventions are needed early within the resettlement experience.


Author(s):  
Nyanshanu Mattew ◽  
Chireshe Rumbidzai ◽  
Jidong Dung ◽  
Nyashanu Wendy ◽  
Ekpenyong Mandu Stephen

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa faces by far the highest rate of HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Illegal mineworkers are considered at risk for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Men are generally not receptive to health promotion messages.Methods: This study explored the enablers of sexually transmitted infections. The study utilized a qualitative approach. A total of 40 participants were recruited. Semi structured interviews were used to collect data. A thematic approach was used to analyze the data. Zimbabwe, like any other country in the sub-Saharan region of Africa, has been affected by the epidemic of HIV/AIDS and other STIs, because of poor sexual health education.Results: The study found that the enablers of STIs included poor sexual health knowledge, substance misuse, prolonged stay from family, stigma, lack of entertainment, cultural status, and poor sexual health services.Conclusions: STIs among illegal gold miners is a public health concern that needs urgent attention in many developing countries.


Sexual Health ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lester Coleman ◽  
Adrienne Testa

Background: Certain Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) groups have been identified as bearing a disproportionate burden of sexual ill health in the UK. There still exists a significant gap in the evidence-base concerning the sexual behaviours of BME youth. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 16 secondary schools in London, where the proportion of BME students exceeded two-thirds of the intake. The aim was to identify the factors associated with sexual intercourse and sexual risk behaviours. Results: 2801 students aged 15 to 18 completed questionnaires. Compared with White British males, Black males were significantly more likely to report sexual intercourse (OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.92–4.81). Compared with White British females, Asian females were significantly less likely to report sexual intercourse (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.27–0.69). Both sexes reporting school as their main source of information, as opposed to their family, had a lower likelihood of intercourse (males OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.21–0.53, females OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.25–0.62). Compared with White British males, contraceptive use at first ever intercourse was significantly less likely among Black males (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.16–0.98) and males of Mixed ethnicity (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.06–0.92). Among females, higher sexual health knowledge was associated with contraceptive use (OR 4.69, 95% CI 1.76–12.49). Males reporting higher sexual health knowledge were more likely to be ‘sexually competent’ at first ever intercourse (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.10–4.69). Conclusions: Given the importance of sexual health knowledge, ensuring this is improved among all ethnic groups, especially the Black and Mixed male groups, is a key message to arise from this study. Delivering this information in a ‘culturally competent’ manner is an important goal.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Ayalnesh Asmamaw Kassie ◽  
Temesgen Worku Gudayu ◽  
Bilen Mekonnen Araya

Background. Sexually transmitted infections are major public health concerns that mostly affect adolescents and young people. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess students’ knowledge, attitude, and preventive practice towards sexually transmitted infections and the associated factors. Methods. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 24 to November 4, 2018. A sample size of 845 was calculated and a 1-stage sampling technique was employed. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The data were entered into Epi-Info 7.2 and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25 software. The descriptive result was presented in text, figure, and tables. Also, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify associated factors. Then the adjusted odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval were computed. And a p value of <0.05 was considered to assert statistical significance. Results. Half of the respondents (50.5%) had good knowledge on sexually transmitted infections. Also, 46.4% of students had a good preventive practice. However, only 38.4% of students had an appropriate attitude towards sexually transmitted infections. Being a male (AOR: 1.58 (95% CI: (1.19, 2.09)) and having employed father (AOR: 1.97 (95% CI: (1.18, 3.30)) predicted good knowledge. Similarly, secondary and above level of paternal education (AOR: 2.16 (95% CI: (1.28, 3.64)) and having a farmer father (AOR: 1.77 (95% CI: (1.04, 3.02)) predicted appropriate attitude. Predictors of preventive practices included elder age (AOR: 2.33 (95% CI: (1.27, 4.28)), never had sexual intercourse (AOR: 1.44 (95% CI: (1.07, 1.94)), and having good knowledge on STIs (AOR: 1.53 (95% CI: (1.16, 2.02)). Conclusion. The proportion of students that had good knowledge, appropriate attitude, and good preventive practice towards STIs were low. Personal and parental factors predicted students’ knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices. Hence, creating awareness need to be strengthened.


Author(s):  
Saurabh Krishna Misra ◽  
P. Oudeacoumar ◽  
R. Indradevi ◽  
Sushree Sovana

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) are transmitted through sexual intercourse. Young individuals of 16-24 yr age group are more prone to STIs because they lack adequate knowledge about STIs and tend to have wrong perceptions towards sex. Thus it becomes important to assess the knowledge level about STIs among this age group. The main objective of this study was designed to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, perception and attitude about STIs among paramedical 1st year students in a tertiary care institute.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> The study was a descriptive cross sectional study. Detailed questionnaire eliciting information about knowledge, awareness, perception and attitude of the respondents towards STIs was administered to 227 paramedical 1st year students. This self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> 227 paramedical students participated in this study. Among them 103 (45%) were males and 124 (55%) females. Majority of the students (68%) got the source of information of STIs from education in school and college, 57% from internet and 49% from print media. 95% of the respondents knew about at least one STI. The two most commonly mentioned STIs were HIV (60%) and Syphilis (41%). 7% did not have any knowledge about STI. 68% mentioned sex with multiple partners as a mode of transmission and 46% knew unprotected sex. 17.6%-21.6% of them had misconception about mode of transmission. 49.8% mentioned weakness, 47.6% loss of weight as the symptoms of STIs where as 25.6% did not know anything about symptoms at all. Majority of respondents (60%) did not know about the complications of STDs. Also attitude towards sexual health and prevention of STIs was variable.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Findings of our study showed that it is important to orient the paramedical students about sexual health and positive attitude towards STIs. This will help in prevention and control of STIs.</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 35-45
Author(s):  
Nor Rosidah Ibrahim ◽  
Susilowati Heru Subono ◽  
Fahisham Taib ◽  
Norsarwany Mohamad

Introduction: Sexual education is an important step to prevent unwanted pregnancy, abortions and sexual transmitted diseases (STDs) in adolescent. Assessment of the sexual health knowledge and the attitude towards premarital sexual activity are essential to fill in this gap of knowledge. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the knowledge on the sexual health and attitude towards premarital sexual activity among the sexually abused adolescent. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 88 female teenagers who were admitted to Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia for sexual abuse. Using a self-administered validated Malay questionnaire, participants were guided to answer the question on knowledge and attitude. The attitude was categorized to a permissive and non-permissive attitude. Simple and multiple binary logistic regression were used to analyze the associated factors with the attitude. Result: The lowest percentage of correct responses included: penile discharge during ejaculation contains sperm (5.7%), pregnancy may not occur if having sexual intercourse once only (26.1%), having vaginal washing after sexual intercourse prevents pregnancies (19.3%). Forty-one (48.0%) of participants had a permissive attitude whereas forty-seven (53.4%) had a non-permissive attitude toward premarital sexual activity. Simple and multiple logistic regressions did not reveal any significant associated factors. Conclusion: The sexual health knowledge among sexually abused children was inadequate and they were at risk of permissive attitude toward premarital sexual activity. We could not identify any factors related to the permissive attitude in our study.


2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 30-38
Author(s):  
Ranabir Pal ◽  
Samir Roy ◽  
Shrayan Pal

In the era of evidenced-based medicine, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major international health issue; adolescents and young people are particularly vulnerable. The current study determines the perceptions of sexual health and condom use in sexual encounters among tea plantation workers of North Bengal in India. A population based cross-sectional study was undertaken with 973 adults of both sexes selected by a multi-stage random sampling using an anonymous pre-tested close-ended structured questionnaire. The majority of study participants were working class in the age range of 16 to 30 years. The gender distribution of the participants was almost equal. The majority of males were in the age group of 46-60 years, while the majority of the females were in the age group of 16-30 years. There was no statistical association between age and use of condoms. Significant statistical differences were seen in condom use in relation to marital status, religion, type of family, and number of living children. This study revealed inadequate protective behavior adopted by plantation workers. In this socio-demography with the acceptance of sexual relation outside marriage, non-use of condoms increases vulnerability to HIV/AIDS/ and other sexually-transmitted infections.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blanchard Mbay Iyemosolo ◽  
Tawanda Chivese ◽  
Tonya Marianne Esterhuizen

Abstract Background South Africa has a persistent burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), despite improvements in prevention, treatment, screening, and surveillance. Male circumcision has been shown to be effective in preventing HIV, and other STIs. However, there is minimal data on the protective effect of circumcision in high-risk populations such as migrant miners. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of STIs between circumcised and uncircumcised adult males in Rustenburg, North West Province, South Africa Methods The study used baseline data collected in an observational cohort study. Adult males in a mining town were assessed for STIs (gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis) using syndromic assessment. Data on circumcision status and other risk factors for STIs were collected using an interview administered structured questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent effect of circumcision on STI presence after adjusting for confounders. Results A total of 339 participants with a median age of 25 years (IQR 22–29) were included in the study, of whom 116 (34.2%) of whom were circumcised. The overall STIs prevalence was 27.4% (95% CI 22.8–32.6%) and was lower in the circumcised participants compared with those who were uncircumcised (15.5% vs 33.6%, respectively, p < 0.001). Circumcision was strongly associated with a lower risk of STIs (OR 0.359, 95% CI 0.196–0.656, p = 0.001) after adjustment for employment and condom use. Conclusion In this high-risk population, with a relatively high prevalence of STI, and 34% circumcision, circumcision appears to be protective against STIs.


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