Prevalence and behavioral risk factors for STIs/HIV among attendees of the Ministry of Health hospitals in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are a major public health, social, and economic problem leading to morbidity, mortality, and stigma. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of STIs, investigate behavioral risk factors and the relationship between the STIs/HIV and demographic factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between 2013 and 2014 among attendees of the Ministry of Health hospitals. Results: The total number of participants was 3,994 (2,441 males and 1,553 females), with a mean age of 31.95 ± 9.45 years (range 12 to 77 years). The prevalence of STIs and HIV was 6.2% and 0.05% respectively. The mean age for infected people with STIs was 29.42 ± 7.51, vs. 32.12 ± 9.55 for non infected (p < 0.05). There was no diffference between infected and non infected people regarding gender, occupation and marital status. The prevalence of STIs was more commonly reported among non-Saudi (10.9%). Drug use (OR = 4.74; 95%; CI: 3.47-6.48), intravenous drug use (OR = 4.51; 95% CI: 1.45-13.12), illegal sex (OR = 10.7; 95% CI: 7.62-13.32), sex for money (OR = 6.36; 95% CI: 4.52-8.93), sex for pleasure (OR=9.76; 95% CI: 7.29-13.07) were significantly associated with STIs. Conclusion: The prevalence of STIs including HIV in Saudi Arabia is low compared to other countries in the region and globally.

Reduced rate of human papillomavirus infection and genetic overtransmission of TP53 72C polymorphic variant lower cervical cancer incidence

“…Statistical analysis revealed that this rate is significantly lower than the lowest (85%) global estimation (1 sample z‐test; 95% CI, 71% ‐ 82%; P  = .001). These results are in line with the finding that the prevalence of other STDs, including human immunodeficiency virus, in Saudi Arabia is low compared with global rates 18. The conservative society, sexual mores, and widely practiced male circumcision may reduce exposure to STD infections and shift the parameters that affect the frequency and outcome of related diseases, including CxCa.…”

“…These results are in line with the finding that the prevalence of other STDs, including human immunodeficiency virus, in Saudi Arabia is low compared with global rates. 18 The conservative society, sexual mores, and widely practiced male circumcision may reduce exposure to STD infections and shift the parameters that affect the frequency and outcome of related diseases, including CxCa. However, the assumption of low incidence of primary HPV infection in cervical swaps has not been substantiated in our population.…”

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Young Adults Living in Albaha, Saudi Arabia

“…Due to lack of published data from authorities, research on incidence rate, and data on prevalence of STDs among Saudis, answering such a question remains problematic. Regardless of gender, several studies have highlighted the lack of knowledge and awareness among different populations living in Saudi [4,[14][15][16], whereas, evidence suggest a low prevalence rate of STDs among Saudis [1,17,18]. Two factors may positively impact the prevalence of STDs among Saudis-the conservative cultural nature of the society and religion rules, which prohibit intimate contact outside marriage.…”

“…This is followed by trichomoniasis (18.4%), gonococcal urethritis (4.4%), syphilis (2.6%), genital warts (5.8%), genital herpes (2.2%), and chancroid (0.7%). Furthermore, there is inadequate research and reports in current literature to estimate incidence rates of STDs among Saudis over the past few years [1]. The main problem with these types of diseases is that patients can be asymptomatic and remain undiagnosed.…”

Appendiceal Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor and HIV Infection, An Association Not To Be Missed

“…The increased tumor susceptibility of HIV-positive individuals has been attributed to different factors including immunosuppression, coinfection with oncogenic viruses, and life prolongation secondary to the use of antiretroviral therapy. 2 Though the prevalence of HIV in Saudi Arabia is low (0.05%) compared to other countries in the region and globally, 3 the relative lake of awareness in general public knowledge of the disease, negative attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and infected persons, and limited contribution of health care professionals and educational institutions in providing the public with information about this health problem 4 render HIV infection a potential health hazard in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, I presume that the authors had considered underlying HIV infection in the patient.…”