Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Knowledge Assessment of Adults in a US South Eastern Texas Region

The purpose of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to assess knowledge level regarding signs and symptoms, prevention, treatment of STIs among a sample of residents from Southeastern Texas. One hundred and fifty-seven participants age 18 and over responded to the 23 questionnaire items. Questionnaires were distributed to mostly public places such as hair salons, fitness centers, health centers, gas stations, apartments, and stores. Results indicated that 50.3% of participants reported syphilis was not curable;while over 61% reported gonorrhea was incurable. Over 64% of respondents reported they did know the symptoms for syphilis and over 70% believed that syphilis was vaccine preventable. The data collected from this study indicated that some residents from Southeast Texas lack basic information concerning Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia with regard to prevention, signs and symptoms, and treatment. The cost and effort to increase educational programs and educational messages appear to be justified. Implications for practice include increasing funding and efforts to provide more educational programs focusing on sexually transmitted disease prevention, health literary education to dispel the myths and stigma related to STIs and community wide collaboration efforts to increase awareness.

Perception of Sexually Transmitted Infection-Preventive Measures among Senior Secondary School Students in Nnewi-North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

Background: Sexually transmitted infections-preventive measures are effective methods employed in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections [STIs]. Sexually transmitted infections are among the most common infections in the world and therefore a major public health problem as they cause devastating long term consequences if untreated, especially in adolescents. Sexually transmitted infection-preventive measures, if correctly and consistently used, have been proven to be efficacious. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out among SS2 and SS3 students in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra state, Nigeria. A structured, self administered questionnaire was administered to consenting senior secondary students to gather relevant information about socio-demogaraphic characteristics, knowledge about STIs, sexual behaviours. Three hundred and thirty four students participated in the study. Multi stage sampling technique was used. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data. Results were represented in tables and graphs. Results: Three hundred and thirty four students participated in the study, of which females and males are 167 each. 89% understood the meaning of STI. The majority of the respondents got the knowledge from TV/radio (34.4%), teachers (28.1%) and mother (27.0%). The majority of respondents knew that HIV/AIDS (89.8%), syphilis (58.1%) and Gonorrhoea (56.9%) were STIs. Good numbers of respondents knew the symptoms of STIs and risk factors of STI with unprotected sex and multiple sexual partners (57.5%) and (42.2%) respectively, as the highest risk factors. About 75.7% of respondents knew that HIV/AIDS cannot be cured. The Majority knew that avoiding sexual intercourse, being faithful to one partner and use of condom are preventive measures respectively. The majority of respondents (71%) felt they cannot be infected with an STI. 92.8% believed that STIs can be prevented. Age range for first sexual intercourse was 13 - 18 years for females and 8 - 19 years for males. Of the 86 that have had sexual intercourse, 48.8% had experienced one or more of the symptoms of STIs and the majority (80.9%) went to a hospital for treatment. Males (31.4%) are more likely to have multiple sexual partners than females (4.7%). Conclusion: The majority of the students had an objective knowledge on STIs transmission and prevention. Their overall attitude was positive but their practices were not satisfactory, especially for the males. Females were more careful and health conscious than their male counterpart.

Impact of sexually transmitted infections on women health

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are the infections that can be transmitted from one sex partner, who already has such infection, to another. The causes of STIs in human are very well elucidated and their causative agents are identified as bacteria, parasites and viruses. The worldwide epidemiology of more than 20 types of STIs has been established, which includes diseases like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Genital herpes, HIV/ AIDS, HPV, Syphilis and Trichomoniasis. Though STIs affect both men and women indiscriminately, however, the pathophysiology of disease is more obvious among women. Other than abstinence, the most effective way to prevent the transmission or acquisition of STIs is to use a condom during sexual intercourse. Condoms are effective in decreasing the transmission of HIV. However, once contacted, STIs caused by bacteria or parasites can be treated with antibiotics. STIs caused by a virus may not virtually have any cure though the medicines may keep the disease under control. Correct usage of preventive measures greatly reduces but does not completely eliminate the risk of catching or spreading STIs.

Sexually Transmitted Infections among African-American Population of the Midwest United States

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea are commonly reported infections in the United States. Greater Omaha has had continually higher reported rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea for more than a decade compared to the rest of the state rates. Minority and young adults have been disproportionately affected. Purpose: The objectives of our study were to estimate the prevalence and to identify risk factors for chlamydia and gonorrhea among young adults. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey with 310 young adults aged 19 -25 years between June 2011 and June 2012. The study collected socio-demographic, behavioral and other risk factors for STIs utilizing a pre-design standardized questionnaire. Gonorrhea and chlamydia status of the participants were established by testing urine samples using PCR-based diagnostic technique. Descriptive and multivariable regression analyses were used to examine risk factors for STIs. Results: About 12.6% survey participants had at least one STI test positive. Lower education was associated with STIs but was not statistically significant (Odd Ratio for no schooling was 8.24, 95% CI 0.93 -72.86, Odd Ratio for high school education was 2.05, 95% CI 0.25 -16.63 compared to associate or college level education). No other predictors were associated with STIs. The average age of the first sexual intercourse was lower, and the number of sexual partners was higher compared to their national counterparts. Conclusion: We found a higher percentage of STI-positive individuals compared to previously reported county-level estimates. Education was the single and most important predictor of positive STI status.

Women and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa

Despite efforts to control the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), these infections are still highly prevalent in the developing world, especially in Africa where the prevalence and incidence of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is also very high. Unfortunately, women bear the disproportionate burden of both STIs and HIV in this region. Early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of STIs is therefore crucial in this population given the strong evidence that some STIs have been shown to facilitate the transmission of HIV. This review summarizes the epidemiology, and management of the common STIs affecting African women, and the health complications associated with these infections in the era of emerging antimicrobial resistance.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases at Monkey Bay Community Hospital in Mangochi, Malawi;an Analysis of Characteristics of Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases

We present the characteristics of the commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infections (STI) at a clinic of Monkey Bay community hospital by a retrospective study. We conducted an audit of patients’ hospital records from a STIs clinic at Monkey Bay community hospital in Mangochi District (Malawi) covering a period from January 2019 to June 2019 (18 months). Data was tabulated in excel and analyses were made based on sex, age, male circumcision status, pregnancy and the pattern of STIs diagnosed within the chosen study period. A total number of 659 clients presented at STI clinic of Monkey Bay community hospital between January 2018 and June 2019. Out these clients, 409 (62%) were females and 250 (38%) were males. Most of the patients were in the age range of 25 years or above (447, 68%). Majority of the patients were HIV negative (523, 79%). Out of the 250 males, 113 (45%) were circumcised. Among female patients 56 of the 409 (14%) were pregnant. The most common presentations for all cases put together were lower abdominal pain (253, 38%), then urethral discharge (189, 29%), abnormal vaginal discharge (141, 21%), genital ulcer disease (64, 10%), in that order. Syphilis, genital warts, inguinal bubo and scrotal swelling were less common. The most common presentation in males was urethral discharge (178, 71%), while in females it was lower abdominal pain (214, 52%). Our audit showed that in Mangochi (Malawi) sexually transmitted diseases of various types are more common among young adults, females and uncircumcised men. There was no much difference in the percentage of STI’s between HIV positive and HIV negative people. These results point to an alarmingly high level of risky sexual behaviors among sexually active age groups in this part of Malawi, a country which still has one of the highest HIV prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. This calls for continued and better research and control for transmission of STIs in the district.

The Social Determinants of Health in Relation to Sexually Transmitted Infections in Maricopa County Arizona

Based on the information that was collected on the County Health Rankings website [1], one of the top health concerns for Maricopa County was sexually transmitted infections or STIs. A big concern with STIs is this is not a common subject explored in educational settings or addressed socially. There are many organizations, including the CDC, that have access to materials, there is limited distribution of the educational content. Therefore, the public is not well informed and lacks the information to make educated decisions. The areas with insufficiencies are knowledge of the disease processes, prevention, and treatment.

Knowledge of sexually transmitted infections among senior high school adolescents in the Wa Municipality of Ghana

Background:Sexually transmitted infections(STIs)are responsible for a high burden of morbidity and mortality in many developing countries especially among adolescents.Adolescents are predisposed to STIs because they are more likely to engage in unhealthy lifestyles.However,these adolescents have limited knowledge of the use and barriers to sexual and reproductive health information and care services.This study explored the knowledge of STIs among Senior High School Adolescents in the Wa Municipality of Ghana.Method:The study designed as a descriptive cross-sectional research.A multistage sampling technique was used to recruit these adolescents for the study.Totally 355 adolescents were selected from senior high schools in the Wa Municipality.Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were used to analyze the data,at a significance level ofP<0.05.Results:The majority of respondents had good knowledge of STIs,with the most common examples of STIs identified as HIV/AIDS(80.8%,287/355)and gonorrhea(73.8%,262/355).The main known signs and symptoms identified were discharges from the penis/vagina(72.4%,257/355),painful urination(71.5%,254/355),and itching,and sores around the genital area(72.7%,258/355).The main sources of information/education of STIs for these adolescents were the school,hospital,internet and mother.Whom respondent lived with was found to be significantly associated with knowledge of STI(P<0.001).Conclusion:Many of the respondents had good knowledge of STI,and the school was the most common source of information on STL It is,therefore,important for the Ghana Education Service and the Ghana Health Service to strengthen the School Health Education Programme in second cycle institutions in the Wa Municipality.Parents,especially mothers,should be actively involved in the sexual health education of adolescents.

Utilization of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections Prevention Services, and Associated Factors among the Long-Distance Truck Drivers along the Northern Corridor Highway, Kenya

Background: Often, long-distance truck drivers’ (LDTDs’) work predisposes them to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) whose outcomes are influenced by access and behavior of seeking sexual health care. Methodology: In this study, we assessed the utilization of HIV/STI preventive services and associated factors among 296 LDTDs operating along the northern corridor highway using an interviewer-administered questionnaire for data collection at Mlolongo stopover in Machakos, Kenya. Responses for the investigated variables, including condom use, history of HIV testing, frequency of HIV testing, antiretroviral therapy (ART) use and follow-up for the HIV positive and STI treatment, were assigned a score of either 1 or 0 depending on the question’s dimension. Following summing up for each participant, we computed a weighted score ranging between 0 and 1 by dividing the summed responses by the number of eligible variables. We arbitrarily multiplied these scores by 8 to generate endpoint scores ranging from one to eight for each participant to help create a dichotomized outcome variable for utilization levels: limited utilization (1 to 4) and good utilization (5 to 8). Association between certain independent variables and the outcome variable (level of utilization of H.I.V./STIs preventive services) was analyzed using binomial logistic regression analysis in R statistical software. Results: The mean age of the LDTDs was 38.4 years, ranging from 24 - 57 years. The majority (n = 287, 97%) of the LDTDs had been tested on HIV at least once since the beginning of their career. Only 4.9% of the LDTDs had been tested on HIV within the previous three months. Of the 175 LDTDs who reported a history of STI, most (n = 173, 98.9%) of them had sought treatment. Condom use rates were higher (97.1%) among the LDTDs who had sexual interactions with casual sexual partners compared to 47.2% among regular sexual partners. Analyses classed most of the respondents (n = 231, 78.0%) as having good utilization, while the rest (22%) had limited utilization. History of STI was independently associated with utilizing HIV/STI preventive services (OR 8.4;95% CI;4.5, 16.7;P < 0.001). Conclusion: Although most of the LDTDs were classed to have good utilization of HIV/STI preventive services, the uptake of subsequent HIV testing services among them was low at only 4.9%. The association of STI history with utilization levels that we determined supports policies of integrating HIV and STI services in the delivery of sexual healthcare provision among LDTDs.

Rapid Determination of Sexually Transmitted Infections by Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction Using Microchip Analyzer

Development of non expensive and time-saving techniques based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is of great importance for modern diagnostics. We considered a new approach for PCR determination of a variety of sexually transmitted infections using microchip analyzer “AriaDNA”, which had been tested using clinical samples in several medical institutions of St. Petersburg (Russia). The use of microchips containing lyophilized PCR reagents allows reducing significantly time of analysis and the number of manipulations thus preventing possible sample contamination.

Facilitating the Implementation of Sexually Transmitted Infection Syndromic Management in China

Objerctive: To introduce the current status of implementing sexually transmitted infection (STIs)syndromic management in China. Methods: Data werecollected and analyzed from the literature. Possiblesolutions were suggested for the obstacles encountered inthe implementation process. Results: Validation of revised flowcharts for themanagement of three syndromes (urethritis, vaginaldischarge, and genital ulcers) has been conducted in China.The feasibility, effectiveness and acceptance of using asyndromic STI approach were investigated in a large studyin Hainan, Zhejiang and Hubei Provinces. Chief obstaclesto implementation included the following: lack of supportfrom government authorities; negative reaction by hospitals;lack of critical thinking and innovation; perceivedover-emphasis on treatment at the expense of prevention;and lack of coverage for several important pathogens withintreatment algorithms. Possible solutions may include policyadvocacy, adopting syndromic management into a Chinesecontext, ssemination and promotion, training of providers, encouraging use of syndromic approach, and conductingoperational rescarch. Conclusions: Syndromic STI management provides afeasible approach for the diagnosis and treatment of STIs inChina. Further efforts should be made for scaling up itsapplication in clinical settings.

Case of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome in male without presentation of sexually transmitted disease

Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome is a type of perihepatitis that causes liver capsular infection without infecting the hepatic parenchyma or pelvis. Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome is known to occur commonly in women of childbearing age who do not use oral contraceptives and have sexual partners older than 25 years of age. However, the syndrome has been reported to occur rarely in males. The clinical symptoms are right upper quadrant pain and tenderness, and pleuritic right sided chest pain. The clinical presentation is similar in male and female. We experienced a case of Fitz-HughCurtis syndrome in a 60-year-old man with the chief complaint of right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Despite a previous history of gonorrhea, we have also described our experiences of improved symptoms and recovery with allopathic medicines and have thereby reported the present case with a literature review.

Risky Meetings Despite Knowledge of the Risk: A Qualitative Study of Young Adults Treated for Chlamydia Infection at a Sexual Transmitted Infection Clinic

The aim of the study was to describe the attitudes to risk behavior among patients diagnosed with a Chlamydia infection at a Sexual Transmitted Infection (STI) clinic. Qualitative interviews face-to-face were conducted with twenty patients, aged 18 - 30 years, with confirmed Chlamydia infections were included. An interview guide was used and the participants described the behavior that had led to the infection. The material was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Eighteen informants were included and the theme was risk. Recurrent among the informants was risk behavior in sexual relations when using alcohol, while risk behavior in life in general was almost non-existent. Of the 18 informants, sixteen had previously been tested for STIs, and ten had had an STI before. Alcohol consumption emerged as a common denominator among the informants and as a contributor to risk. In contrast, almost none of the informants exposed themselves to any unnecessary risks in life in general.

Socio-Demographic, Clinical, and Hygiene Profile of Syndromically Managed Sexually Transmitted Diseases: A Cross Sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Center in India

Background: Sexually transmitted diseases are one of the several major public health concerns, the burden of which is borne by low- and middle-income countries like India. Purpose: The purpose is to evaluate the relationship between menstrual and sanitary hygiene and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) based on syndromic diagnosis Methods: An out-patient department (OPD) based cross sectional survey to determine these associations, if any exist, which would help critically analyze syndromic management. STD was reported by the presence of vaginal/cervical/urethral discharge with or without irritation and itching, lower abdominal pain and ulcer. Results: The prevalence of STD was 66.84% with the most commonly reported symptoms being discharged (31.18%), followed by abdominal pain (17.92%) and itching/irritation (12.90%), with ulcer (4.83%) being the least reported symptom. Perimenopausal age ((AOR: 0.420 [CI: 0.189 - 0.915];p = 0.030), higher grades of education ((AOR: 0.228 [CI: 0.119 - 0.424];p < 0.001) for secondary), urban residency (AOR: 0.435 [CI: 0.686 - 2.733];p < 0.001), and contraception use (AOR: 0.531 [CI: 0.308 - 0.887];p = 0.018) were associated with lesser odds of presenting with an STD symptom. Belonging to a minority religious community (AOR: 7.20 [CI: 1.866 - 48.251];p < 0.012) or backward castes (AOR: 3.753 [CI: 1.587 - 10.144];p < 0.001), having similar illness (AOR: 4.205 [CI: 2.795 - 6.439];p < 0.001) or having an invasive gynecological procedure done in the past one year (AOR: 1.953 [CI: 1.184 - 3.295];p = 0.010) and washing the reusable sanitary material only with water (AOR: 4.900 [CI: 2.701 - 9.116];p < 0.001) as compared to washing it with water and soap, had a higher association with presenting with STD symptoms. Stratified analysis also showed that women presenting discharge (AOR: 2.049 [CI: 1.343 - 3.146] for vaginal and cervical;AOR: 1.426 [CI: 0.826 - 2.482] for urethral) were more likely to not have a toilet facility in an accessible condition. Women with sanitary napkin use had lesser odds (AOR: 0.780 [CI: 0.516 - 1.180];p = 0.293) of presentation for STD in OPD than women who used other material. Conclusion: To better manage the group of diseases that may present with symptoms of STD under syndromic approach, we propose interventions such as menstrual hygiene education and promotion of the use of sanitary napkins among women especially those belonging to lower socio-economic sections of the society.

Seroprevalence Survey of HIV and Hepatitis B Virus and Behavioral Characteristics among Heavy Truck Drivers along Port Sudan-Khartoum Highways

The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (AIDS) and hepatitis B virus among heavy truck drivers and their assistants has been well documented globally in correlation with their behavioral characteristics. The present study aimed to screen for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and behavioral characteristics among heavy truck drivers in Port Sudan. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 274 heavy truck drivers and their assistants who used the highway Port Sudan-Khartoum in Port Sudan city during 2019-2021. Data on behavioral characteristics and substance use habits were collected using a structured questionnaire, and an ELISA test was used to screen for HIV and HBV infections in the study participants. The chi-square test, odds ratio, and confidence intervals were used to find the association between behavioral characteristics and seropositive HIV/HBV. Of the 274 enrolled participants, the seroprevalence rates of HIV were 2.7% and HBV was 23.7%. Ninety-four (34.3%) of them had a history of high-risk sexual behavior outside of marriage;only two (0.7%) used condoms;14.2% of participants reported alcohol use;and 1.1% reported drug use. Univariate analysis revealed that having a sex history outside of marriage with ≥1 sex partner and never using a condom with a spouse or casual partner were significant risk factors for HIV and HBV among drivers. Fortunately, we found that most of the drivers reported low alcohol and drug use. Concerning this study, the seroprevalence of HIV and HBV is highly associated with a history of having sex outside of marriage and sexual behavior among truck drivers and assistances. Additional studies are needed to further investigate other STIs and behavioral characteristics associated with factors in truck drivers/assistance in different truck stop regions in Sudan.

儿童STI/STDs感染途径分析

目的:了解儿童与父母感染状况之间的关系,明确儿童STI/STDs各种感染途径的比例,为我国儿童STI/STDs防治、儿童保护政策的制定提供参考依据。方法:对国内医学临床报道进行回顾,结合我国现状,对儿童STI/STDs感染途径进行分类统计。结果:作者收集到相关文献89篇,共报道15岁以下儿童STI/STDs3439例,除13.06%的儿童性别不详之外,男女性别比为1∶7.125。在1591例明确父母感染情况的病例中,99.24%的儿童与其父母感染了同类别的STI/STDs,其中母婴传播与非母婴传播比例为1∶5.634。11.20%的儿童STI/STDs为不明原因感染。仅53.27%的儿童报告了明确的感染途径,其中84.99%系间接接触传播,2.02%的儿童系性传播。这37例性接触途径感染儿童中,21.62%系家庭内性侵害的受害者。结论:儿童STI/STDs已经成为值得关注的公共卫生问题,还存在一定比例的儿童遭受性侵害,在STI/STDs的威胁下女童比男童和成人更加脆弱。

Impact of HIV/sexually transmitted infection testing on risky sexual behaviors among men who have sex with men in Langfang, China

Background Men who have sex with men （MSM） in China remain at high risk for HIV infection, the proportion of reported HIV/AIDS cases that occurred among MSM rose greatly from 2005 to 2011. HIV testing and counseling is a critical HIV prevention strategy among HIV related high-risk population, including MSM in China. This article aimed to assess the association between receiving HIV testing and high-risk sexual behaviors among MSM in Langfang, Hebei Province, China. Methods Between September and November 2007, 233 MSM were recruited to receive an HIV testing intervention. Face-to-face interviews were conducted before HIV testing and 3 months later HIV-related risk behaviors were assessed. Serological testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections （STIs） was performed. Results Of the recruited 233 MSM, 200 completed follow-up. Baseline prevalence was 7.8% for HIV, 21.0% for syphilis, 15.8% for gonorrhea, and 5.0% for chlamydia. Multivariate analysis indicated that inconsistent condom use （OR=7.9, 95% CI： 0.9-66.7, P=0.059） and bleeding during anal sex （OR=5.9, 95% Cl： 1.3-26.2, P=0.019） were risk factors for HIV infection, and group sex （OR=6.6, 95% Cl： 2.2-19.7, P=0.001） was a risk factor for syphilis infection at baseline. At 3 months follow-up, among STI-positive MSM, self-reported anal sex fell from 73.1% to 38.5% （P 〈0.001）; group sex fell from 19.2% to 5.8% （P 〈0.001）; and bleeding during anal sex fell from 23.1% to 5.8% （P 〈0.001）. Among STI-negative MSM, the frequency of one-night stands fell from 32.5% to 17.2% （P 〈0.001）, and oral sex rose from 57% to 78.5% （P 〈0.001）. STI-positive MSM were less likely to engage in anal sex compared to STI-negative MSM （X^2=5.189, P=0.023）. Conclusions HIV testing is an important intervention strategy among MSM. HIV testing services among MSM need to be scaled up, along with comprehensive, tailored interventions including condom promotion and STI treatment.

Extragenital chlamydia infection among active-duty women in the United States Navy

Background: Pharyngeal and anorectal reservoirs of gonorrhea(GC) and chlamydia(CT) are increasingly recognized among heterosexual women. While a number of studies performed at sexually transmitted disease(STD) clinics have found a high prevalence of extragenital GC/CT infection, such screening is typically not offered during routine primary care visits for women. We sought to define the prevalence of and factors associated with extragenital GC/CT among women in the U.S. Navy.Methods: We recruited servicewomen stationed in San Diego, California, between the ages of 18 and 25 who presented for an annual physical exam between January and September, 2017. Nucleic acid amplification testing was performed on swabs collected at endocervical, oropharyngeal and anorectal sites to assess the presence of GC/CT. An anonymous behavioral questionnaire was also administered to characterize sexual risk. Descriptive statistics were used to compare women with and without a prior history of any sexually transmitted infection(STI)(self-report) along with a current GC/CT diagnosis. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences.Results: Of the 75 patients who were approached, 60 subjects were enrolled in the study, including white 20(33.3%), black/African American 18(31.0%), Hispanic/Latina 13(21.7%) and Asian/Pacific Islander 9(15.5%) women. Among all the women, six(10.0%) were diagnosed with CT infection, all via endocervical exam. Of these, five(8.3%) had concurrent anorectal infection, including two cases(3.3%) accompanied by pharyngeal infection. Of the subjects, 15(25.0%) reported anal intercourse in their most recent sexual encounter, most of which was condomless(13/15, 86.7%). A high number of women who reported sex with a casual male partner(19/45, 42.2%) reported rarely or never using condoms;last, 41.7% consuming at least 3 drinks on a typical drinking day, and one-third of the reported drinking more than once per week.Conclusions: We found a high prevalence of anorectal CT infection, although no infections were detected without concurrent endocervical involvement. Nonetheless, the high prevalence of condomless anal intercourse reported by participants argues for further study and ongoing consideration of extragenital screening among high-risk patients. Behavioral interventions are also warranted given the high prevalence of sexual and related risk factors.

Prevalence and risks of reproductive tract infections among women of urban slums in North India: A cross-sectional study

Objective:To identify the prevalence,determinants of reproductive tract infection,and healthcare seeking behavior among ever married women of reproductive age residing in an urban slum of Faridabad,Haryana,North India.Methods:This community based cross-sectional study was conducted among ever married women aged between 15 and 49 years insured under employees state insurance scheme and residing in an urban slum of Faridabad.Simple random sampling technique was used to interview 149 eligible women using a predesigned structured questionnaire.Study variables included sociodemographic profile,family planning methods,menstrual absorbent usage,and symptoms of reproductive tract infection.Binary logistic regression was used to investigate the determinants of reproductive tract infection.Results:Of the women,46.3%had at least one reproductive tract infection or sexually transmitted infection symptom and 28.9%among them sought treatment for the symptom.Vaginal discharge,itching(14.1%)and lower abdominal pain(30.2%)were the major symptoms reported.Non-usage of condoms as contraceptive was significantly associated with a higher rate of symptoms(50.4%vs.20.0%).Abortion had a significantly high odds of having reproductive tract infection symptoms(aOR 3.71,95%CI 1.59-8.62;P<0.01).Less frequent change in absorbent during menstruation was also reported to have a higher rate of symptoms.The majority of those who took treatment sought it from government or employees state insurance dispensary.2%also went to faith healers.Conclusions:Nearly half of the study population have reproductive tract infection symptom.Abortions and non-usage of condom increase the risk of reproductive tract infection.Menstrual hygiene and condom usage are the significant interventions,which may reduce the prevalence of these symptoms.

Recently acquired hepatitis C virus infection among people living with human immunodeficiency virus at a university hospital in Taiwan

BACKGROUND Little is known about the engagement in hepatitis C virus(HCV)care and completion of HCV treatment in people living with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)(PLWH)who have HCV coinfection in the Asia-Pacific region.Examining the HCV care cascade can identify barriers to the completion of HCV treatment and facilitate achievement of HCV micro-elimination in PLWH.AIM To investigate the care cascade of incident HCV infections among PLWH in Taiwan.METHODS PLWH with incident HCV infections,defined as HCV seroconversion,were retrospectively identified by sequential anti-HCV testing of all archived blood samples at National Taiwan University Hospital between 2011 and 2018.All PLWH with incident HCV infections were followed until December 31,2019.The care cascade of HCV examined included all incident HCV-infected patients,the percentages of anti-HCV antibodies detected by HIV-treating physicians in clinical care,plasma HCV RNA load tested,HCV RNA positivity diagnosed,referral to treatment assessment made,anti-HCV treatment initiated,and sustained virologic response achieved.Those who had HCV seroconversion during the interferon(IFN)era(2011–2016)and the direct-acting antiviral(DAA)era(2017–2018)were analyzed separately.The duration of HCV viremia—from the date of seroconversion to viral clearance by treatments or until the end of observation—and the incidence of sexually transmitted infections(STIs)during the HCV viremic period were estimated.RESULTS During the study period,287 of 3495(8.2%)PLWH(92.3%being men who have sex with men)who were HCV-seronegative at baseline developed HCV seroconversion by retrospective testing of all archived blood samples.Of the 287 incident HCV infections,277(96.5%)had anti-HCV antibodies detected by HIV-treating physicians,270(94.1%)had plasma HCV RNA determined and 251(87.5%)tested positive for HCV RNA.Of those with HCV viremia,226(78.7%)were referred to treatment assessment,215(74.9%)initiated anti-HCV treatment,and 202(70.4%)achieved viral clearance.Compared with that in the IFN era,the median interval from HCV seroconversion by retrospective testing to detection of HCV seropositivity by HIV-treating physicians was significantly shorter in the DAA era{179 d[interquartile range(IQR)87-434]vs 92 d(IQR 57-173);P<0.001}.The incidence rate of STIs in the DAA vs the IFN era was 50.5 per 100 person-years of follow-up(PYFU)and 38.5 per 100 PYFU,respectively,with an incidence rate ratio of 1.31(95%confidence interval 0.96-1.77),while the duration of HCV viremia was 380 d(IQR 274-554)and 735 d(IQR 391-1447)(P<0.001),respectively.CONCLUSION While anti-HCV therapies are effective in achieving viral clearance,our study suggests more efforts are needed to expedite the linkage of PLWH diagnosed with incident HCV infections to HCV treatment.