Dataset Information

Prevalence and risk factors of sexually transmitted infections among French service members.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) have always represented a public health concern in the military, yet most studies rely on self-reports among non-random samples of military populations. In addition, most of the studies exploring STI rates among the military focus on US service members. This paper assesses the prevalence and correlates of STIs in the French military using biomarkers and compares self-reported versus diagnosed STIs.

Methods

Data are drawn from the COSEMIL study, a national sexual health survey conducted in the French military in 2014 and 2015. A random sample of 784 men and 141 women aged 18-57 years completed a self-administered questionnaire and provided biological samples for STI testing. We used logistic regression modeling to identify the correlates of STI diagnosis and self-reports.

Results

The prevalence of diagnosed STIs was 4.7% [3.8-5.9], mostly due to Chlamydia trachomatis. This rate was four times higher than the 12 months self-reported rate of 1.1% [0.6-2.3]. Reported STI rates were similar among men and women (1.1% versus 1.8%), but diagnosed STI rates were twice as high among females versus males (10.4% versus 4.1%, p = 0.007). There were significant differences in the determinants of reported versus diagnosed STIs. In particular, age and sexual orientation were associated with reported STIs, but not with diagnosed STIs. Conversely, STI counseling and depression were associated with STI diagnosis but not with STI reports.

Conclusion

This study underlines the need to use biomarkers in population-based surveys, given the differential and substantial underreporting of STIs. Results also highlight the need for programmatic adaptation to address gender inequalities in STI rates, by developing women's health services in the French military. Addressing such needs not only benefits women but could also serve as a strategy to reduce overall STI rates as most military women have military partners, increasing the risk of internal transmission.

SUBMITTER: Duron S

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5880385 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Prevalence and risk factors of sexually transmitted infections among French service members.

Duron Sandrine S Panjo Henri H Bohet Aline A Bigaillon Christine C Sicard Sébastien S Bajos Nathalie N Meynard Jean-Baptiste JB Mérens Audrey A Moreau Caroline C

PloS one 20180402 4

<h4>Introduction</h4>Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) have always represented a public health concern in the military, yet most studies rely on self-reports among non-random samples of military populations. In addition, most of the studies exploring STI rates among the military focus on US service members. This paper assesses the prevalence and correlates of STIs in the French military using biomarkers and compares self-reported versus diagnosed STIs.<h4>Methods</h4>Data are drawn from the ...[more]

PMID: 29608617

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Project description:BackgroundWorldwide, more than one million peoples acquire sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The burden of STIs and the youth awareness level on the transmission of STIs is under investigated in Sidama Regional State.ObjectiveTo determine the seroprevalence of STIs such as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies, Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroprevalence, and syphilis and to determine associated factors among youth-friendly services Attendees at selected health facilities in Hawassa city, Ethiopia.MethodsA multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among 416 randomly selected youth attending youth-friendly services at selected health facilities from May to August 2021. To collect the background characteristics of participants an interviewer-administered questionnaire was used. Blood samples were collected, processed, and tested using Advanced Quality One Step rapid colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay for detection of antibodies for syphilis and hepatitis C virus infection, and hepatitis B virus surface antigen. For the diagnosis of syphilis Rapid Plasma Reagin was also used. HIV1/2 STAT PAK, HIV1/2/O ABON and HIV1/2 SD Bioline were used for testing antibodies for HIV infection. Data entry and analysis were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 software. A crude and adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed to identify associated factors.ResultsThe overall seroprevalence of STIs was 11.5% (48/422), with a 95% CI: (8.7-14.9). Out of the 48 positive results, the proportions of HBsAg, Anti-HCV, HIV, and syphilis were 56.3% (27/48), 27.1% (13/48), 10.4% (5/48), and 6.3% (3/48) respectively. Out of 416 participants, 17.1% responded that it is safe to have sex without using a condom. The Odds of developing STI among female participants, participants who did not identify alcohol intake as a risk factor for STIs, and those who engaged in transactional sex were (AOR = 2.989: 95% CI: 1.27, 7.02), and (AOR = 2.393, 95% CI: 1.18, 4.81) and practice of transactional sex (AOR = 5.527, 95% CI: 1.62, 18.75).ConclusionsSTIs are common among youth-friendly services Attendee in Hawassa city The overall STI was significantly associated with sex (females), not able to identify alcohol intake as a risk factor, and practice of transactional sex. High number of (n = 289, 69.5%) participants think that the use of condoms is not effective in preventing STIs and they engage in sexual activity without using condoms.

Project description:IntroductionCurable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as infection with Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae), and Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) can lead to adverse pregnancy and birth outcome. There are limited data on the prevalence and correlate of STI in Ethiopia, yet pregnant women are not screened for curable STI. Hence in this study, the prevalence of STIs and associated risk factors were assessed.MethodologyA cross- sectional study was conducted on consecutive women attending the delivery ward at the Hawassa comprehensive and specialized hospital. Vaginal swabs collected at the time of labor and delivery were tested for C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae and T. vaginalis using GeneXpert. Study participants responded to a questionnaire about their previous and current obstetric history and socio-demographic characteristics. Possible independent factors for curable STIs were assessed by chi-square, bivariable, and multivariable, logistic regression.ResultsOf the 350 vaginal swabs tested, 51 (14.6%, 95% CI: 10.9-18.3) were positive for one or more curable STIs. The prevalence of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae and T. vaginalis were 8.3%, 4.3%, and 3.1%, respectively. STIs was associated (p<0.005) with the delivery outcomes birth weight and gestational age. A 3-fold increase in odds of acquisition STIs was found in currently unmarried women (AOR, 3.5; 95% CI: 1.1-10.4; p = 0.028), in women <25 years (AOR, 2.7; 95% CI 1.1-6.6; p = 0.031). Women reporting presence of vaginal discharge (AOR, 7.7; 95% CI: 3.2-18.6; p < 0.001) and reporting pain during urination (AOR, 6.5; 95% CI: 2.6-16.2; p <0.001) found to associate with curable STIs.ConclusionThe higher magnitude of STIs found in this population, and the absence of symptoms in many illustrate the need for systematic follow-up during routine antenatal care primarily history taking and asking for signs and symptoms to provide early management and avoid long term sequelae.

Project description:BACKGROUND:Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) cause a major public health problem that affect both men and women in developing and developed countries. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of 11 STIs among women who voluntarily participated in the study, while seeking gynecological checkup. The existence of an association between the presence of pathogens and symptoms and various sociodemographic risk factors was assessed. METHODS:A total of 505 vaginal and cervical specimens were collected from women above 18?years of age, with or without symptoms related to gynecological infections. Nucleic acid was extracted and samples were tested by real-time PCR for the following pathogens: Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Urealplasma parvum, Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma girerdii, Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida albicans and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Positive HPV samples underwent genotyping using a microarray system. RESULTS:Of the 505 samples, 312 (62%) were screened positive for at least one pathogen. Of these, 36% were positive for Gardnerella vaginalis, 35% for Ureaplasma parvum, 8% for Candida albicans, 6.7% for HPV, 4.6% for Ureaplasma urealyticum, 3.6% for Mycoplasma hominis, 2% for Trichomonas vaginalis, 0.8% for Chlamydia trachomatis, 0.4% for Mycoplasma girerdii, 0.2% for Mycoplasma genitalium and 0.2% for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Lack of symptoms was reported in 187 women (37%), among whom 61% were infected. Thirty-four samples were HPV positive, with 17 high risk HPV genotypes (HR-HPV); the highest rates being recorded for types 16 (38%), 18 (21%) and 51 (18%). Out of the 34 HPV positives, 29 participants had HR-HPV. Association with various risk factors were reported. CONCLUSIONS:This is the first study that presents data about the presence of STIs among women in Lebanon and the MENA region by simultaneous detection of 11 pathogens. In the absence of systematic STI surveillance in Lebanon, concurrent screening for HPV and PAP smear is warranted.

Dataset Information

Prevalence and risk factors of sexually transmitted infections among French service members.

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Prevalence and risk factors of sexually transmitted infections among French service members.

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