Abstract

MALEFO, Matshidiso A.; AYO-YUSUF, Olalekan  and  MOKGATLE, Mathildah M.. Risk factors for sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men. Afr. j. prim. health care fam. med. (Online) [online]. 2023, vol.15, n.1, pp.1-7. ISSN 2071-2936.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v15i1.4080.

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a global public health concern and sub-Saharan Africa, has limited data on STIs in the men who have sex with men (MSM) population. Syndromic management has controversies for treating asymptomatic STIs (ASTIs AIM: The aim of this study was to describe the risk factors for STIs among MSM SETTING: This study was conducted in Tshwane North, Gauteng Province in South Africa METHODS: A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed using structured questionnaires, rapid plasma reagent test, from December 2021 to May 2022. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used for statistical analysis RESULTS: A total of 200 MSM with the mean age of 27.6, standard deviations: 6.8 participated, and STIs prevalence was 66%, with 37% concurrent infections. Ureaplasma urealyticum was (24%), Mycoplasma hominis (23%), Chlamydia trachomatis (20%), Treponema pallidum (20%) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (9%). The risk factors for acquisition of STI include having a new partner in the last month (OR = 1.68; CI: 0.98-3.13 CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ASTIs is high. Serial and multiple sexual partners are the risk factors CONTRIBUTION: This study contributes to the body of knowledge of the burden of STIs among high-risk population

Keywords : men who have sex with men; asymptomatic; sexually transmitted infections; risk factors; sexual behaviour; alcohol use; HIV.

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