Prevalence and risk factors associated with sexually transmitted infections among adults attending an STI clinic in a small island developing state.

BACKGROUND

To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with STIs among adults 18 years or older attending two STI clinics in Trinidad.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of 250 persons, ≥ 18 years old, visiting two STI testing sites. Interviewer-administered questionnaires collected data on participants' socio-demographic characteristics, self-reported STI history during the past 12 months, sexual orientation and behaviour, and substance use. Descriptive statistics, Chi-Squared test and crude odds ratios were generated using STATA version 15.

RESULTS

Of the 250 participants, most were 25-31 years old (27%, 68/250), female (53%, 132/250), single (68%, 170/250), Afro-Trinidadian (55%, 136/250), had secondary level education or lower (68%, 170/250), employed (55%, 138/250), heterosexual (90%, 224/250) and did not consume alcohol (39%, 95/250). More than half (51%, 127/250) used condoms sometimes, and most did not use a condom during their last sexual encounter (76%, 178/233). Self-reported STI prevalence was 28% (70/250), of which the most common STIs were gonorrhea (12%, 31/250), herpes (6%, 15/250) and syphilis (5%, 13/250). There were significant gender differences between STI prevalence and employment status, having multiple sexual partners and alcohol consumption (p < 0.05 each). The odds of reporting an STI were higher among individuals with lower educational attainment (OR: 6.14, 95% CI: 2.66-14.16, p < 0.001), low monthly household income (OR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.08-4.71, p = 0.030) and non-heterosexual persons (OR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.28-6.69, p = 0.010). However, being employed (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.18-0.71, p = 0.003) or a student (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05-0.74, p = 0.017) was protective against STI. There were no observed associations reported for sexual behaviours and substance use.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of STIs was significant among adults attending an STI clinic. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions addressing socio-demographic and behavioural factors in the prevention and control of STIs, particularly focusing on high-risk groups such as individuals with low education, low household income and members of sexual minority groups.