Self-reported sexually transmitted infections among sexually active men in Ghana

Abstract

Background In sub-Saharan Africa, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) other than HIV are major public health problems. This study, therefore, sought to assess the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported STIsamong sexually active men in Ghana. Methods Data from the 2014 Ghana demographic and health survey wereused to conduct the study. This research included a total of 3051 sexually active men aged 15–59 years. Self-reported STI was the outcome variable. The data were analyzed using both descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and inferential (binary logistic regression) analysis. Results The prevalence of self-reported STIs in the past 12 months preceding the survey was 6.0% (CI:4.7–6.8). Compared to men aged 45-59 years, those aged 25–34 (aOR = 2.96, CI: 1.64–5.35), 15–24 (aOR = 2.19, CI: 1.13–4.26), and 35–44 (aOR = 2.29, CI: 1.23–4.24) were more likely to report an STI. Men who had 2 or more sexual partners apart from their spouse were more likely to report an STI compared to those with no other partner apart from spouse (aOR = 4.24, CI: 2.52–7.14). However, those who had their first sex when they were 20 years and above (AOR = 0.66, CI: 0.47–0.93) and men who read newspaper/magazine had lower odds (aOR = 0.53, CI: 0.37–0.77) of reporting STIs compared to those who had sex below 20 and those who did not read newspaper/magazine respectively. Conclusion The study has revealed a relatively low prevalence of self-reported STI among sexually active men in Ghana. Sexually active men aged 25–34 years, those whose age at first sex is below 20 years and those with two or more sexual partners apart from their spouse had higher odds of reporting STIs. However, reading a newspaper was found to be positive in reducing the odds of reporting STIs. To reduce STIs among sexually active men in Ghana, it is important for health systems and stakeholders to consider these factors and put in place measures to mitigate those that put men at risk of STIs and encourage the adoption of the protective factors. Mass media can be used as a useful avenue for encouraging men to report STIs in order to avoid transmitting them to their partners.

Self-reported sexually transmitted infections among adolescent girls and young women in Mali: analysis of prevalence and predictors

“…This finding is consistent with previous studies which indicated that those whose age at first sex is below 20 years had higher odds of contracting or reporting STIs. 23 31–34 This finding reiterates the fact that early sexual debut is a risky sexual behaviour which may increase the odds of STI among AGYW. 35–37 Our finding implies that delaying sexual debut among young individuals carries a benefit in reducing the prevalence of STIs among AGYW.…”

“… 40–42 Access to mass media may serve as a source of education on STIs and health-seeking which could positively influence individuals’ behaviour toward the identification of symptoms as well as testing for STIs. 23 42 43 …”

“…15 Similarly, the HIV epidemic in Mali is concentrated in important demographics, particularly female sex workers. 16 Despite the relatively high prevalence of STIs among women in Mali compared to men, a gap in the literature exists on the prevalence and correlates of STIs among AGYW (15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24). Knowing the prevalence and correlates of STIs among AGYW in Mali is an important step towards preventing and controlling STIs.…”

Spatial distribution and machine learning prediction of sexually transmitted infections and associated factors among sexually active men and women in Ethiopia, evidence from EDHS 2016

“…Media access (exposure) was the other factor found to be associated with STI. This factor was also found to be a factor for STIs in research studies in Ethiopia [ 14 ], Ghana [ 44 ], and sub-Sahara Africa [ 45 ]. This might be due to the differences in the respondent’s media access and media program choices.…”

Self‐reported sexually transmitted infections among men and women in Papua New Guinea: A cross‐sectional study

“…prevalence in Kenya 19,20 The prevalence reported in this study is, however, lower than the findings reported from Ghana. 21 achieve viral suppression for at least 95% of those treated. 22 PNG should also strive towards this goal.…”