Risk factors for sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men

Abstract

BACKGROUND : Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a global public health concern and sub-Saharan Africa, has limited data on STIs in the men who have sex with men (MSM) population. Syndromic management has controversies for treating asymptomatic STIs (ASTIs. AIM : The aim of this study was to describe the risk factors for STIs among MSM SETTING : This study was conducted in Tshwane North, Gauteng Province in South Africa. METHODS : A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed using structured questionnaires, rapid plasma reagent test, from December 2021 to May 2022. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS : A total of 200 MSM with the mean age of 27.6, standard deviations: 6.8 participated, and STIs prevalence was 66%, with 37% concurrent infections. Ureaplasma urealyticum was (24%), Mycoplasma hominis (23%), Chlamydia trachomatis (20%), Treponema pallidum (20%) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (9%). The risk factors for acquisition of STI include having a new partner in the last month (OR = 1.68; CI: 0.98-3.13. CONCLUSION : The prevalence of ASTIs is high. Serial and multiple sexual partners are the risk factors. CONTRIBUTION : This study contributes to the body of knowledge of the burden of STIs among high-risk population.