Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Chennai- A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: MSM have a higher rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than women and men who only have sex with other women. The study objective is to find out how common sexually transmitted infections are prevalent among men who have sex with other men.
 Methods:This is a descriptive cross sectional conducted among MSM visiting the STI clinics of Government Medical Colleges in Chennai district during the period of January 2018 to December 2020 till the required sample size of 600 was reached selected by purposive sampling method. Pre-tested structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was entered in MS Excel and analyzed by using SPSS version 22.
 Results:Around 600 MSM attended the STI clinics, of which 49% were homosexual. Condom usage was 53% and 47% never used condom. Both oral and anal sex are common among MSM population. Unprotected sex is more common among them. STIs were seen in around 22% and HIV positive was 0.9% of MSM. The most common STIs among MSM was Syphilis, wart and genital ulcer.
 Conclusions:This study reveals a high prevalence of STIs among MSM. This subgroup population of MSM can benefit from access to STI testing center and treatment at close intervals.

Advances and challenges in sexually transmitted infections prevention among men who have sex with men in Asia

“…In China, a meta-analysis showed that the pooled incidence of new HIV infection was 4.93 (95% CI: 4.15–5.72) per 100 person-years among MSM populations from 2010 to 2021 [ 16 ▪▪ ], and another study found that HIV prevalence among the male sex workers (MSWs) was 17.8% (95% CI: 13.2–23.4) whereas 6.5% (95% CI: 5.8–7.2) among MSM in Tianjin in 2011–2018 [ 17 ]. Similarly, STIs and HIV were seen in around 22% 0.9% of MSM in Chennai according to 600 MSM who attended the STI clinics from January 2018 to December 2020 [ 18 ]. Over half of participants tested positive for HIV or another STI (HSV-2, syphilis, gonorrhea, orchlamydia) in a cross-sectional community-based study of MSM in Hanoi, Vietnam, and the prevalence of HIV, HSV-2, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia was 10%, 4%, 13%, 34%, and 19%, respectively [ 19 ].…”

“…In addition to the factors above, another study showed that Confucianism was probably associated with increased risk of HIV infection among MSM and MSW in China [ 17 ]. Because homosexuality is not legal and there is considerable social stigma associated with homosexuality [ 18 ], it also suggested the MSM were willing to conceal the STI infection and then resulted in more prevalence in Chennai, India.…”