Factors Associated With the Syndromic Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW): Findings From the Namibia DREAMS Program.

BACKGROUND

Approximately one million curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are contracted daily by individuals aged 15-49 years worldwide. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of syndromic STIs and associated factors among AGYW participating in the Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe (DREAMS) program implemented by Project HOPE Namibia.

METHODS

Data for this retrospective study were obtained from the DREAMS program, covering 2018 to 2024. The population for the study consisted of sexually active AGYW aged 15-24 years who were screened for STIs. Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 29 by employing chi-squared tests and binomial and multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of the 27,992 participants in this analysis, 3184 (11.4%) were syndromically diagnosed with an STI (95% CI: 11.0%-11.8%). Participants less likely to have an STI diagnosis included those aged 15-19 years (AOR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.68-0.81), pregnant or breastfeeding (COR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.02-0.87), and those using family planning (AOR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.23-0.29). Higher likelihoods of syndromic STI diagnosis were seen in recurrent postexposure prophylaxis users (COR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.21-6.07) and those engaging in sex under the influence of alcohol or drugs (AOR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.2-2.95).

CONCLUSION

We recommend that the program intensify education on safe sexual practices and the consistent use of condoms to prevent STIs among high-risk AGYW. Additionally, we recommend that AGYW refrain from taking alcohol and drugs.