Sexually transmitted infections and sexual practices among injecting drug users in harm reduction centers in Catalonia.

BACKGROUND

The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae and sexual risk practices, and to identify factors associated with infection by C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae.

METHODS

Injecting drug users were interviewed at harm reduction centers and biological samples were collected to estimate the prevalence of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae.

RESULTS

The prevalence of C. trachomatis was 2.3%, and this was higher among immigrants (3.6%); the prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae was 0.7% (no differences between Spanish-born and immigrants). Respondents aged ≤25 years had a higher risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (OR 3.39), as did women (OR 3.08). Also associated with having an STI were not having registered employment (OR 4.70), injecting drugs daily (OR 4.21), and having unprotected sex with a stable partner (OR 3.37).

CONCLUSION

Although the prevalence of STIs observed is low, scant condom use makes it necessary for prevention programs to include messages related to sexual risk practices, especially among young people and women.