Intimate partner violence and high-risk sexual behaviors among female patients with sexually transmitted diseases

BACKGROUND: Victimization by intimate partner violence (IPV) may play an important role in sexual decision-making, increasing the risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV. GOAL: To explore the relationship between IPV and high-risk sexual behaviors, substance abuse, partners who had sex outside the relationship, and history of STD among women attending an STD clinic. STUDY DESIGN: A self-administered survey of patients attending a public STD clinic in San Francisco was conducted from October 1996 to March 1997. Topics included STD history, sexual risk behaviors, partner violence history, partner characteristics, and demographics. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent effect of IPV on STD risk factors. RESULTS: Overall, 2115 patients participated, for a response rate of 96%. Data were analyzed for a subgroup of 409 female patients who reported recent male sexual partners. Among these women, 11% reported IPV in the past 12 months; lifetime history of IPV was 24%. A history of IPV was associated with a self-reported history of STD (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.15; 95% CI, 1.23-3.77). IPV in the past 12 months was associated with alcohol or drug use before sex (adjusted OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.17-4.77) and main partners who had sex outside the relationship (adjusted OR, 3.75; 95% CI, 1.94-7.26). CONCLUSIONS: IPV is common among female STD patients and is associated with risk behaviors and partner factors that increase patients' risk of contracting STD and HIV. Screening and referral for IPV should be routinely conducted for female patients attending STD clinics.     

Sexual behaviour of male teenagers attending a City Department for Skin and Venereal Diseases in Belgrade

A study of sexual behaviour of teenagers is essential in the design of an effective intervention programme for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). A questionnaire was administered to 380 men, attending the department for skin and venereal diseases in Belgrade in the period from January 2000 to June 2001. Two groups were compared, 'STD cases' (attending for suspected STDs) and controls (with skin mycotic diseases). In multivariate logistic regression analysis the following risk factors were significantly more frequent in STD cases: sex on the same day as the first encounter (odds ratio (OR)= 2.62, 95% CI = 1.58-4.34), history of previous STD (OR = 3.60, 95% CI = 1.74-7.45) and never using a condom with an irregular partner (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.10-4.38).     

Risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases among women attending family planning clinics in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Identification of risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) assists in development of treatment algorithms, which are potentially important components of STD control when microbiologic facilities are limited. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed to assess STD and HIV risk factors of 2285 women attending three family planning clinics in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania during 1991-92. Women were interviewed and examined for signs of STDs. Specimens were taken for laboratory diagnosis of HIV, other sexually transmitted organisms, and Candida albicans. RESULTS: The prevalence of gonorrhoea was found to be 4.2%, prevalence of trichomoniasis was 14.3%, and positive syphilis serology was found in 2.5% of women. Unmarried women were at increased risk of trichomoniasis (age-adjusted OR = 1.48 95% CI [1.12, 1.95]), gonorrhoea (age-adjusted OR = 1.81 95% CI [1.14, 2.86]) and syphilis (age-adjusted OR 1.5 [0.84, 2.68]). An increasing number of sexual partners in the past five years was associated with an increased risk of all STDs. Current use of the oral contraceptive pill was positively associated with gonorrhoea, multivariate OR = 1.75 95% CI [1.05, 2.93]. The prevalence of candidiasis was 11.5% and was not associated with any of the demographic or behavioural risk factors examined. Clinical diagnostic algorithms for STDs in this study population had relatively low sensitivity and low positive predictive value. CONCLUSION: Being unmarried and having a higher number of sexual partners were consistently associated with each STD, while the associations for other risk factors varied between STDs, emphasising the complexity of STD distribution. Further development of diagnostic algorithms and other methods for screening women for STDs are needed to reduce the impact of STDs and HIV in developing countries.     

Association of adolescents' history of sexually transmitted disease (STD) and their current high-risk behavior and STD status: a case for intensifying clinic-based prevention efforts

BACKGROUND: Adolescents are at high risk of sexually transmitted disease (STD)/HIV infection, and one vulnerable subgroup is African American females. The association between adolescents' previous experience of STD and recent sexual risk behaviors has been ill-defined. GOAL: The goal was to examine the associations between adolescents' self-reported history of STD diagnosis and current sexual risk behaviors, prevention knowledge and attitudes, and STD infection status. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional survey. Recruitment sites were in low-income neighborhoods of Birmingham, Alabama, characterized by high rates of unemployment, substance abuse, violence, and STDs. Participants were sexually active adolescent females (N = 522) 14 to 18 years of age. Information on STD history and current sexual behaviors (within the 30 days before assessment) was collected in face-to-face interviews. Less sensitive topics, such as STD prevention knowledge, attitudes about condom use, and perceived barriers to condom use, were addressed via self-administered survey. DNA amplification of vaginal swab specimens provided by the adolescents was performed to determine current STD status. Outcomes associated with past STD diagnosis were determined by means of logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) in the presence of observed covariates. RESULTS: Twenty-six percent of adolescents reported ever having an STD diagnosed. Although past STD diagnosis was associated with increased STD prevention knowledge, it was not associated with increased motivation to use condoms. Compared with adolescents who had never had an STD, adolescents with a history of diagnosed STD were more likely to report not using a condom at most recent intercourse (AOR = 2.54; 95% CI = 1.64-3.93; = 0.0001), recent unprotected vaginal intercourse (AOR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.15-2.79; = 0.010), inconsistent condom use (AOR = 2.27; 95% CI = 1.46-3.51; < .0001), sexual intercourse while drinking alcohol (AOR = 2.09; 95% CI = 1.33-3.28; = 0.001), and unprotected intercourse with multiple partners (AOR = 3.29; 95% CI = 1.09-9.89; = 0.034). Past STD diagnosis was associated with increased risk for current biologically confirmed gonorrhea and trichomoniasis (AOR = 2.48; 95% CI = 1.09-5.23; = 0.030; and AOR = 2.05; 95% CI = 1.18-3.59; = 0.011, respectively). Past STD diagnosis was not significantly associated with increased risk of current biologically confirmed chlamydia (AOR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.45-1.37; = 0.38). CONCLUSION: Among this sample of female adolescents, past STD diagnosis was an indicator of current high-risk sexual activity and increased risk for two common STDs: gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. Although adolescents may gain factual knowledge from the experience of having an STD diagnosed, they are not applying that knowledge to their current sexual behaviors. Thus, these adolescents remain at risk for subsequent STD infection. Therefore, the findings suggest that there is a need to intensify clinic-based prevention efforts directed toward adolescents with a history of STDs, as a strategy for reducing STD-associated risk behaviors and, consequently, the likelihood of new STD infections.     

Associations between substance use and sexual risk among very young men who have sex with men

OBJECTIVE: To determine if an association exists in young men who have sex with men (MSM) between being under the influence of alcohol or drugs during sex and participation in sexual behaviors which increase the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). STUDY DESIGN: A total of 3492 young MSM were interviewed through the Young Men's Survey, an anonymous, cross-sectional, multisite, venue-based survey conducted from 1994 through 1998 at 194 public venues frequented by MSM aged 15 to 22 years in 7 US cities. RESULTS: The majority of young MSM reported both receptive and insertive anal intercourse, and of these, approximately half reported not using condoms. Report of unprotected receptive anal intercourse at least once in the prior 6 months was associated with being under the influence of alcohol (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.2-1.8), cocaine (AOR=1.6; 95% CI=1.1-2.2), amphetamines (AOR=1.5; 95% CI=1.1-2.0) or marijuana during sex (AOR=1.3; 95% CI=1.1-1.6). Report of unprotected insertive anal intercourse at least once in the prior 6 months was associated with being under the influence of alcohol (AOR=1.2; 95% CI=1.0-1.5), cocaine (AOR=1.5; 95% CI=1.1-2.0) or amphetamines (AOR=1.9; 95% CI=1.4-2.6). CONCLUSIONS: HIV prevention strategies for young MSM need to incorporate substance use risk reduction.     

The emotional experience of intercourse and sexually transmitted diseases: a decision-tree analysis

BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic data document high risks for many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among US adolescents and young adults. GOAL: This case-control study used decision trees to investigate the relationship between STD incidence and emotional reactions to intercourse. STUDY DESIGN: For this study, 188 adolescents and young adults (mean age, 24.9 years [SD = 8.2]) at a regional public STD clinic completed a behavioral and psychological questionnaire and underwent a workup for STD. RESULTS: The prevalence of STD in this group was 44.8%. Decision-tree analysis identified emotional reactions to intercourse that were associated with STD diagnosis for some patients: feeling good about oneself after sex half the time or less (OR = 3.21; 95% CI = 1.73-5.95), feeling comfortable during sex half the time or less (OR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.07-4.40), and feeling angry after sex (OR = 1.90; 95% CI = 0.91-3.99). Findings of a logistic regression model of emotional reactions to intercourse were significant (chi-square = 24.6; df = 8; P < 0.002), but adding behavioral variables did not improve prediction. CONCLUSIONS: For some of these young adults at the time of life when they are at highest risk of STD, emotional factors have higher odds ratios for STD diagnosis than the traditionally assessed behavioral variables. This underscores the need for interventions targeted to specific subgroups and for readily available mental health services.     

Predicting pregnancy risk in women attending an STD clinic

BACKGROUND: Although sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics focus mainly on STD treatment and prevention, women attending these clinics are also at high risk for pregnancy. GOAL: To evaluate the relationship between certain demographic and behavioral characteristics and the probability of pregnancy in women attending an urban STD clinic. STUDY DESIGN: Non-contraceptive-using women in an STD clinic-initiated randomized controlled contraception study (n = 877) were interviewed at baseline, and incident pregnancies within 1 year of enrollment were measured. Association between baseline demographic and behavioral characteristics with incident pregnancy was assessed by chi-square analysis, and logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with an incident pregnancy. RESULTS: Among the 673 women (76.7%) for whom follow-up pregnancy information was available, 220 (32.7%) incident pregnancies occurred within 1 year. By logistic regression controlling for study assignment, incident pregnancy was associated with age < or =19 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.8; 95% CI: 1.5-5.2), previous abortion (OR, 3.1; 95% CI: 1.7-5.4), frequency of sexual encounters of at least once a week (OR, 1.8; 95% CI: 1.2-2.6), and having a chlamydial infection at the time of enrollment (OR, 1.8; 95% CI: 1.0-3.2). With a combination of demographic and behavioral characteristics correlated by univariate analysis with incident pregnancy (i.e., age < or =19 years, nonwhite race, high school/general equivalency diploma or less education, previous pregnancy, no use of birth control with last intercourse, sex at least once a week, previous abortion, > or =3 partners within the past month, and <17 years of age at first pregnancy), the cumulative risk of pregnancy with 6 or more of the 9 characteristics was 51%, compared with 25.6% for women with < or =5 characteristics. CONCLUSION: For this STD clinic population, a combination of demographic and behavioral characteristics was useful when combined for identifying a subgroup of women at higher risk for subsequent pregnancy. Targeted intervention by STD care providers should include the provision for both pregnancy and STD prevention counseling.     

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae among at-risk women, young sex workers, and street youth attending community organizations in Quebec City, Canada

BACKGROUND: Despite a relatively recent decline in the global incidence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae it seems that some segments of the population such as street youth, sex workers, and individuals with social problems or delinquent behavior could be part of a core group for STDs. These persons may be reluctant to undergo STD diagnosis in traditional medical settings. GOALS: To determine the prevalence of C trachomatis and N gonorrhoeae infection using polymerase chain reaction on urine samples among subjects attending an anonymous HIV testing clinic and four community organizations in Quebec City, and to identify associated risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of 626 street youth, sex workers, and women with social problems or delinquent behavior was conducted. RESULTS: The prevalences of N gonorrhoeae and C trachomatis were, respectively, 1.1% (95% CI, 0.5%--2.3%) and 5.8% (95% CI, 4.1%--7.9%). No significant difference was found between men and women, but the sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevalence was much higher in subjects younger than 20 years: 11.4% versus 3.6% (P < 0.01). In a logistic regression model, factors independently associated with STD infection were age younger than 20 years (OR, 2.6; P = 0.007), occasional sex partners (OR, 2.9; P = 0.007), and injection of drugs (OR, 2.8; P = 0.002) in the preceding 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: A moderate STD prevalence was found in the study population. The prevalence, however, can be considered high (>10%) among street youth and young sex workers. Providing community-based STD screening and treatment services appear to be an efficient method for reaching these high-risk groups.     

Knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases in women among primary care physicians

OBJECTIVES: Little is known about sexually transmitted disease (STD) knowledge of primary care providers. The objectives of this study were to determine the knowledge about the management of STDs among primary care physicians and to identify physician characteristics associated with possession of STD knowledge. STUDY: A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 1600 obstetrician/gynecologists, pediatricians, family physicians, and internists practicing in Pennsylvania. Information on physician and patient demographics was gathered, and we assessed knowledge and practice patterns concerning the management of STDs in young women. RESULTS: Physician knowledge regarding the evaluation and management of women with or at risk for STDs was associated with female gender (odds ratio [OR]: 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-3.2), age < or =40 (OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.4-3.6), and metropolitan practice location (OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1-2.6). Familiarity with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) STD treatment guidelines was independently associated with STD knowledge (OR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.3). Physicians with good STD knowledge were more likely to report routinely screening at-risk women for Chlamydia trachomatis (OR: 3.9; 95% CI: 2.3-6.8). CONCLUSIONS: Inadequacies in physician knowledge may serve as a barrier to the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of STDs. Interventions to improve STD management practices should include continuing medical education and distribution of CDC's STD treatment guidelines to primary care providers.     

Factors associated with newly diagnosed HIV among persons with concomitant sexually transmitted diseases

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated Illinois and Chicago Departments of Public Health surveillance databases to determine risk factors associated with newly diagnosed HIV among persons with bacterial sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). METHODS: Test results for Chlamydia, gonorrhea, early syphilis (primary, secondary, and early latent), and HIV from public health clinics in Illinois in 2002 were merged with demographic and behavioral survey data collected during patient visits. STD was defined as any positive non-HIV result. RESULTS: Among 43,517 patient encounters, 5814 (13.4%) had positive STD test results. There were 308 (0.7%) positive new HIV test results, of which 71 (23.1%) had concomitant infection with an STD. Compared with STD-positive, HIV-negative cases, age >30 years (OR = 1.9, 95% CI, 1.0,4.4), men who have sex with men (MSM) (OR = 22.2, 95% CI 11.3-43.7), and bisexual male (OR = 22.4, 95% CI 7.8-64.8) were independently associated with STD and HIV coinfections. Among distinct STDs, syphilis (n = 438) was the least frequent (7.5%), but was reported in the highest proportion (10.1%) of all new HIV infections and conferred the greatest risk (OR = 11.0, 95% CI 7.7-15.8) for newly diagnosed HIV. CONCLUSIONS: MSM were at increased risk for newly diagnosed HIV with STD coinfection. Persons with a concomitant STD and HIV were older than US populations that generally constitute the greatest proportion of STD cases. These results highlight the role in particular of syphilis among populations at high risk for HIV transmission. Public health interventions targeting MSM and older adults for effective testing and prevention strategies are critically needed within high-risk networks for cotransmission of STDs and HIV.     

Gonorrhea in male adolescents and young adults in Newark, New Jersey: implications of risk factors and patient preferences for prevention strategies

BACKGROUND: Although the national rate of gonorrhea declined 68% from 1975 to 1995, rates remain high in many inner-city areas. In 1995, the gonorrhea rate in Newark, NJ, was five times the US rate. OBJECTIVE: To determine factors associated with acquisition of gonorrhea by men in Newark. STUDY DESIGN: A case-control study conducted at the sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic in Newark, comparing males 15 to 29 years with culture-confirmed gonorrhea to controls with no STD. RESULTS: Compared with controls, males with gonorrhea more frequently reported at least 1 casual sex partner within the preceding month (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 3.2; 95% CI, 1.8-5.7), sex after using marijuana during the preceding month (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.1-5.3), and a history of incarceration (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2-3.7). Of males with casual partners, having a new casual sexual relationship (onset within the past month) was particularly risky for gonorrhea (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.2-12.7). Incorrect condom use was highly prevalent for both cases and controls. Many persons with gonorrhea reported that they were not willing to consistently use condoms or to have only one partner. CONCLUSIONS: Sex with casual partners is associated with gonorrhea in males, and may be a difficult practice to change. Condoms are often used incorrectly, if at all, in this population. Prevention strategies, in addition to the promotion of condom use and monogamy, may be necessary.     

Sexual activity, substance use, and HIV/STD knowledge among detained male adolescents with multiple versus first admissions.

BACKGROUND: Incarcerated and detained youth are at high risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STD), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). GOAL OF THE STUDY: To compare the level of sexual activity and substance use-related risk and knowledge regarding HIV/STD among male adolescents with multiple (YMA) versus first admissions (YFA) to a detention facility as a basis for the development of specific intervention strategies. STUDY DESIGN: Sexual and substance use histories, HIV/STD knowledge, and perceived risk were collected through structured interviews of a consecutive sample of detained youth. Human immunodeficiency virus antibody seroprevalence was determined using a blind study of discarded blood. RESULTS: Overall, these youth (N = 486) reported high levels of noninjection drug use, sexual risk activities, and knowledge regarding HIV/STD prevention. Furthermore, most of these youth reported that their risk for HIV infection was low (68%). Eighty-one percent of all youth reported recent (past 6 months) vaginal sex, and 14% reported insertive anal sex. Controlling for age, YMA were more likely to initiate sex at age 13 or younger (OR 1.38; 95% CI, 1.11-1.70), to report eight or more lifetime sex partners (OR 1.36; 95% CI, 1.13-1.63), and to have ever exchanged drugs or money for sex (OR 1.54; 95% CI, 1.08-2.19). However, these youth were less likely to report condom use with their last sex partner (OR 0.74; 95% CI, 0.60-0.93). More than one third (34%) of all youth felt that consistent use of condoms would not provide a high level of protection against HIV. CONCLUSION: Youth with multiple versus first admissions are at higher risk of HIV/STD infections through their lifetime and recent sexual activities. Interventions targeted to this population will need to address the barriers to and facilitators of condom use, strategies to promote positive attitudes toward condoms, and strategies to reduce the high level of alcohol and substance use.     

HIV infection and high risk behavior among patients attending an STD referral clinic in Prague, Czech Republic

OBJECTIVE: This survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of HIV infection and associated risk behaviour in a high risk population of clients attending an STD clinic in Prague, Czech Republic. METHODS: Between September 1994 and January 1995, clients entering the Apolinar STD clinic in Prague, Czech Republic, were enrolled in a blinded, unlinked HIV antibody seroprevalence study. Non-identifying demographic characteristics, STD diagnoses, HIV risk exposures, and voluntary HIV testing experience were extracted from medical charts. RESULTS: Of 1394 patients for whom serum was available for testing, one was positive for HIV (HIV prevalence 0.07%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01, 0.41%). This person was one of 28 men having sex with men (MSWM) (HIV prevalence among MSWM 3.6%, 95% CI 0.6, 17.7%). Among the 775 male clients, 75.5% had heterosexual unprotected sex, 11.1% had sex with high risk partners or prostitutes, 3.6% were MSWM, 1.0% were injecting drug users (IDUs), 0.7% were both MSWM and IDUs, and 6.8% and 1.8% had other or no recognized risk for HIV/STDs, respectively. Among the 619 female clients, 74.5% had heterosexual unprotected sex, 11.6% were prostitutes, 7.8% had sex with high risk partners, 1.1% were IDUs, and 3.9% and 2.3% had other or no recognised risk, respectively. The 304 adolescent patients (age 11-19 years) differed significantly (p < 0.05) in risk behaviour and STD diagnoses from the 1090 patients who were 20 years and older. Adolescents were significantly more likely to be female (58.6% v 40.5%, OR = 2.1), IDUs (3.6% v 0.4%, OR = 10.2), prostitutes (8.9% v 4.7%, OR = 2.0), and have sex partners with STDs (7.6% v 4.4%, OR = 1.8). The adolescent patients were also significantly more likely to be diagnosed with gonorrhoea (21.1% v 12.3%, OR = 1.9) and non-gonococcal urethritis (27.6% v 17.2%, OR = 1.8), and significantly less likely to have been tested previously for HIV (19.1% v 31.9%, OR = 0.5). CONCLUSIONS: HIV infection is currently uncommon in this population. However, the high rates of unprotected sex, prostitution, injecting drug use, and STDs, especially among adolescents, provide the basis for an epidemic in this population. Aggressive prevention education should be started before adolescence.


     

Sexual health and use of condoms among local and international sex workers in Sydney.

OBJECTIVES: To compare indicators of sexual health and predictors of condom use for commercial sex among local and international female sex workers first attending an STD clinic. SETTING: A public STD clinic in Sydney, Australia. SUBJECTS: All sex workers first attending between June 1991 and May 1993. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of demographic, behavioural and morbidity data from proforma medical records. RESULTS: 91 local sex workers and 123 international sex workers (predominantly from Thailand, Malaysia and China) first presented during the study period. There were significantly higher prevalences of chlamydia (0 v. 15%, p = 0.0002), gonorrhoea (0 v. 14%, p = 0.0006), syphilis (0 v. 10%, p = 0.006) and clinical genital herpes (0 v. 5%, p = 0.04) among international sex workers. The only case of HIV infection was in an international sex worker. Inconsistent condom use for commercial sex was significantly more common among international sex workers (RR = 4.5; 95% CI 3.1-6.5). On multivariate analysis, inconsistent condom use in international sex workers was associated with a recent history of prostitution outside Australia (p = 0.04), while inconsistent condom usage among local sex workers was associated with increasing age (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: These data illustrate the efficacy of condoms and the success of targeted education programmes in local sex workers in Sydney. By contrast, international sex workers continued to be at high risk of STDs. The international sex industry in Sydney requires enhanced culture-specific interventions. Immigration laws as they affect sex workers should also be reviewed.     

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV-1 prevalence among five populations of women in the Czech and Slovak Republics

BACKGROUND: Five populations at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the Czech and Slovak Republics were sampled. GOAL: To estimate prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and HIV-1 infections. STUDY DESIGN: Urine specimens were collected serially from women at a Prague prenatal clinic (n = 134), a Prague dermatovenerealogy clinic (n = 91), sex workers from northern and central Bohemia (n = 35), students from a northern Bohemian school (n = 217), and Gypsies from Jarovnice, Slovakia (n = 128). These specimens were tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea using a ligase chain reaction pooling algorithm, and for HIV using an enzyme immunoassay confirmed by Western blot. RESULTS: The prevalence of chlamydia was 2.2% (95% CI, 0.4-6.4) in the prenatal clinic, 5.5% (95% CI, 1.8-12.4) in the STD clinic, 22.9% (95% CI, 10.4-40.1) among street sex workers, 8.2% (95% CI, 3.6-15.6) among sexually active female high school students, and 3.9% (95% CI, 1.3-8.9) among Gypsy women. Gonorrhea was found in only two populations: 2.2% (95% CI, 0.3-7.7) in the STD clinic, and 2.9% (95% CI, 0.1-14.9) among sex workers. No HIV-1 infection was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Urine screening was an efficient and accurate method for identifying groups at risk for STDs in the Czech Republic and Slovakia because sample collection was fast and noninvasive, and potential participation bias was reduced by high acceptability.     

Attitudes about sexual disclosure and perceptions of stigma and shame

OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between stigma and shame about having a sexually transmitted disease and adolescents' past STD related care seeking; between stigma, shame, and perceptions about disclosure of sexual behaviours to a doctor or nurse; and whether the association of stigma, shame, and care seeking was moderated by perceptions about disclosure. METHODS: A household sample of 142 sexually active African-American youths, 13-19 years old, was questioned about STD related stigma (alpha = 0.89), STD related shame (alpha = 0.90), and perceptions about disclosure of sexual behaviours to a doctor or nurse (alpha = 0.81). RESULTS: Among females, stigma was associated with increased anticipation of negative reactions to disclosure of sexual behaviours to a doctor or nurse (odds ratio (OR) = 0.319; 95% confidence interval (CI) =0.12 to 0.85) while shame was not. Stigma was also independently associated with STD related care seeking in the past year (OR = 0.296; 95% CI = 0.09 to 0.94) while shame was not. There was no association between stigma and shame with perceptions about disclosure or past care seeking in males. Perceived outcomes of disclosing sexual behaviours did not moderate the association of stigma, shame, and past STD related care seeking. CONCLUSIONS: Stigma about STDs may influence how female adolescents perceive reactions to disclosure of their sexual behaviour to healthcare providers. It may also be an important factor in their decision seek to STD related care. Perceptions about disclosure of sexual behaviour to a doctor or nurse do not change the relation of stigma or shame to past STD related care seeking.     

Self-reported sexual activity and condom use among symptomatic clients attending STD clinics.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A cross-sectional survey of sexually transmitted disease (STD) patients assessed sexual activity and condom use during the time between STD symptom onset and clinic attendance. STUDY DESIGN: Patients were asked to report sexual activity and condom use while STD symptoms were present. Medical records were abstracted for diagnoses. RESULTS: The study population (n = 3025) was predominately African American (75.3%) and male (63.5%), with a mean age of 28.1 years. Sexual activity while experiencing STD symptoms was reported by 39.7% of 2,508 symptomatic patients, 17.2% of whom reported always using a condom. Logistic regression models identified the significant independent determinants of sexual intercourse while symptomatic were duration of symptoms before clinic visit [0-7 days versus 8 or more days, OR = 5.9]; race [African American versus other races (primarily Hispanics), OR = 2.1]; and gender [men versus women, OR = 1.5]. Older age [> or = 30 years versus 18-29 years, OR = 1.5] and higher education attainment [> or = high school versus > high school, OR = 1.5] were the significant factors associated with reporting always using a condom. CONCLUSION: These data suggest patient groups with behaviors likely to enhance STD transmission could be targeted for educational messages.     

Relative efficacy of prevention counseling with rapid and standard HIV testing: a randomized, controlled trial (RESPECT-2)

BACKGROUND: Two risk-reduction counseling sessions can prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); however, return rates for test results are low. STUDY: A randomized, controlled trial compared rapid HIV testing and counseling in 1 visit with standard HIV testing and counseling in 2 visits. Main outcomes were STDs (gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, syphilis, HIV) within 12 months. Participants were 15- to 39-year-old STD clinic patients in Denver, Long Beach, and Newark. STD screening and questionnaires were administered every 3 months. RESULTS: Counseling was completed by 1632 of 1648 (99.0%) of the rapid-test group and 1144 of 1649 (69.4%) of the standard-test group. By 12 months, STD was acquired by 19.1% of the rapid group and 17.1% of the standard group (relative risk [RR], 1.11; confidence interval [CI], 0.96-1.29). STD incidence was higher in the rapid-test group than in the standard-test group among men (RR, 1.34; CI, 1.06-1.70), men who had sex with men (RR, 1.86; 95% CI, 0.92-3.76), and persons with no STDs at enrollment (RR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.99-1.48). Behavior was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Counseling with either test had similar effects on STD incidence. For some persons, counseling with standard testing may be more effective than counseling with rapid testing.     

The effect of treating sexually transmitted diseases on the transmission of HIV in dually infected persons: a clinic-based estimate. Ad Hoc STD/HIV Transmission Group

BACKGROUND: The effect of sexually transmitted disease (STD) treatment on HIV transmission is a topic of considerable current interest and controversy. GOAL: To assess the potential effect of STD treatment on HIV transmission in persons who are dually infected with STD and HIV. STUDY DESIGN: Using data from eight STD clinic sites in the United States, the authors estimate the actual achievable reduction in HIV transmission by multiplying the prevented fraction associated with treatment of STDs (set at an average of 0.8) by the maximum potential reduction in HIV transmission achieved by treating STDs (using an average relative risk of 3.0 for increased HIV transmission in the presence of STDs). Subgroup analysis assessed infection proportions for genital ulcer disease, nonulcerative STDs, and any STD by sex, ethnicity, age, and sexual orientation. RESULTS: The maximum achievable reduction in HIV transmission from dually infected persons to their partners is approximately 33%. The actual achievable reduction is approximately 27% (range, 10.0-38.1%) at the eight clinic sites. If each of the 4,516 dually infected persons in this cohort experienced a single sexual exposure with an uninfected person, 28 HIV infections would occur in the absence of STD treatment whereas 16 infections would occur with STD treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The estimate of a 27% reduction provides a qualitative assessment of the potential impact of STD treatment on HIV transmission in the absence of any other behavioral intervention. Identification of dually infected persons in STD clinics is an important mechanism for targeting interventions to a social milieu with high risk for HIV infection and other STDs.     

Patterns of alcohol use, problem drinking, and HIV infection among high-risk African women

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between patterns of alcohol use and HIV infection and to assess the association between problem drinking and the prevalence of risk factors for HIV among a sample of high-risk African women. METHODS: Baseline data were collected between 2002 and 2003 during enrollment of 1050 women in a prospective cohort study designed to assess risk factors for HIV. Information about demographic and employment characteristics, sexual behaviors, and drinking patterns were obtained by interviews. The CAGE questionnaire was used to assess problem drinking. The association between measures of alcohol use and HIV/STDs and sexual behaviors were summarized using odds ratios, adjusted odds ratios (AOR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: HIV prevalence was 19.0% (95% CI, 16.6%-21.4%). Overall 73.9% of the women drank alcohol whereas 34.6% were classified as problem drinkers. After adjusting for demographic and employment variables, drinkers were at increased risk to be HIV+ when compared with nondrinkers (AOR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.29-3.42). Greater involvement with alcohol, as indicated by recency, frequency and quantity consumed, was associated with increased risk. Problem drinkers were at greater risk to be HIV+ than nonproblem drinkers (AOR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.06-3.04 vs. AOR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.45-4.06). Problem drinkers were also more likely to have engaged in several types of high-risk sexual behaviors and to have other STD infections including HSV-2. CONCLUSION: Programs aiming at limiting alcohol use or promoting abstinence from alcohol might help to reduce high-risk behaviors and lower the burden of HIV/STDs in this population.