Correlates of prevalent sexually transmitted infections among participants screened for an HIV incidence cohort study in Kisumu, Kenya

Abstract

Background We determined the prevalence of four sexually transmitted infections and the demographic and behavioural correlates associated with having one or more sexually transmitted infections among participants in an HIV incidence cohort study in Kisumu, western Kenya. Methods Participants were enrolled from a convenience sample and underwent aetiologic sexually transmitted infection investigation. Demographic and behavioural information were collected and basic clinical evaluation performed. Multiple regression analysis was done to determine variables associated with having one or more sexually transmitted infections. Results We screened 846, 18- to 34-year-olds. One-third had at least one sexually transmitted infection with specific prevalence being, syphilis; 1.6%, gonorrhoea; 2.4%, herpes simplex virus type-2; 29.1%, chlamydia; 2.8%, and HIV; 14.8%. Odds of having any sexually transmitted infection were higher among participants who were women, were aged 20–24 or 30–34 years compared to 18–19 years, had secondary or lower education compared to tertiary education, were divorced, widowed or separated compared to singles, reported having unprotected sex compared to those who did not, reported previous sexually transmitted infection treatment, and tested HIV-positive. Conclusion Multiple strategies are needed to address the overall high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections as well as the gender disparity found in this Kenyan population. Structural interventions may be beneficial in addressing educational and socio-economic barriers, and increasing the uptake of health-promoting practices.

Seroprevalence and associated factors of HSV-2 infection among general population in Shandong Province, China

“…Our study suggested that females who were divorced or widowed had a higher probability of HSV-2 infection. Several other surveys have also shown the same relationship between marital status and HSV-2 infection, particularly for females [3, 26, 27]. A study from Tanzania showed that females who were divorced or widowed may engage with multiple sex partners due to relative personal freedom and in an attempt to establish new relationships [27].…”

“…A study from Tanzania showed that females who were divorced or widowed may engage with multiple sex partners due to relative personal freedom and in an attempt to establish new relationships [27]. Another study from Kenya inferred that some of such females may experience significant pressure due to childrearing and few skills to earn money, thus some of them may resort to transactional sex [26]. However, the reason why females who were divorced or widowed had a relatively higher seroprevalence of HSV-2 infection in Shandong still need further research.…”

Sexual Quality of Life and Association With HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among a Cohort of Heterosexual Couples in Kenya

“…10,11 Following age-related trends in HIV, in western Kenya HSV-2 prevalence increases dramatically from 10% in 13- to 14-year-old girls to 28% in 15- to 19-yearolds. 12,13 Bacterial vaginosis (BV) affects over 20% of general population women in Kenya 14,15 and up to 40% of women with HIV or in clinic-based settings. 16–18 Given the high burden of HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STIs), SQoL may be adversely affected.…”

Menstrual cups and cash transfer to reduce sexual and reproductive harm and school dropout in adolescent schoolgirls: study protocol of a cluster-randomised controlled trial in western Kenya

“…HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital ulcer disease worldwide, the most prevalent STI in sub-Saharan Africa, and a well-established biomarker for sexual risk behaviour [8, 33, 34]. Evidence suggests HSV-2 prevalence in girls in the study area increases from 10% in 13-14 yr. to 28% in 15-19 yr., and 70% among the 20-24 yr. [27, 35].…”