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Sociodemographic, sexual behaviour and microbiological profiles of men attending public health laboratory for testing for sexually transmitted diseases
Mario Sviben
; School of Medicine University of Zagreb and Croatian Institute of Public Health
Sunčanica Ljubin-Sternak
; School of Medicine University of Zagreb and Teaching Institute of Public Health "Dr Andrija Štampar"
Tomislav Meštrović
; Polyclinic “Dr Zora Profozić”
Jasmina Vraneš
; School of Medicine University of Zagreb and Teaching Institute of Public Health "Dr Andrija Štampar"
Abstract
In order to identify the groups at risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), we assessed the sociodemographic profiles of men testing for STD, their sexual habits, and the results of microbiological analysis. During a three-year period, a total of 700 men older than 18 years of age completed the questionnaire regarding sociodemographic and sexual behavior. Urethral swabs were taken for microbiological analysis. Thirty-three percent of respondents reported not using condoms. Those that do not use condoms were predominantly less educated, unmarried but in steady relationships, employed, with children, and smokers. Alcohol or drug usage before sexual intercourse was disclosed by 21.4% of respondents, and 10.3% respondents reported sexual intercourses with commercial sex workers. Finally, 24.0% respondents reported sexual relations abroad. In 28.1% of subjects, one or more pathogens were observed in urethral swabs. The most commonly diagnosed microorganism was Ureaplasma urealyticum, followed by Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This study identified several factors that may contribute to the general risk of STD transmission, which will serve to better understand the transmission dynamics and implementation of adequate prevention programs.
Keywords
sexual behaviour; urethritis; trichomonas, chlamydia; condoms
Hrčak ID:
185019
URI
Publication date:
20.7.2017.
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