Sexually transmitted infections and associated factors among immigrants in Lima, Peru.

BACKGROUND

International migration is increasing substantially in recent years, raising concerns about immigrant health in low- and middle-income countries. In Perú, the large influx of Venezuelan immigrants has increased demands on the health system, while data on sexually transmitted infections and HIV (STI/HIV) in this population remain limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of laboratory confirmed STI/HIV and identify factors associated with prevalent STI/HIV among Venezuelan immigrants in Lima, Peru.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among 325 Venezuelan immigrants in Metropolitan Lima and Callao, Peru, using peer-referral sampling supported by a Venezuelan community recruiter. Participants completed a structured epidemiological questionnaire and provided biological samples for laboratory-confirmed diagnoses of STI/HIV. The primary outcome was a binary composite measure of laboratory-confirmed STI/HIV, defined by the presence of at least one of four infections. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multivariable logistic regression in Stata 18. In the adjusted analysis, LGBTQ+ sexual identity (aOR 3.45, 95% CI 2.04 - 5.84) and previous self-reported STI history (aOR 3.68, 95% CI 2.15 -6.30) remained independently associated with laboratory-confirmed STI/HIV. Variables with p<0.200 in bivariate analysis were included in multivariate model.

RESULTS

The prevalence of any laboratory-confirmed STI/HIV was 11.1%. In bivariate analyses, STI/HIV prevalence was higher among men, participants identifying as LGBTQ+, those reporting drug use, individuals with a previous self-reported STI/HIV diagnosis, and those reporting two or more sexual partners during the previous three months. In multivariable logistic regression model, previous self-reported STI/HIV diagnosis and drug use remained independently associated with prevalent STI/HIV.

CONCLUSIONS

STI/HIV positivity among Venezuelan immigrants in Lima was associated with previous STI/HIV diagnosis and sexual identity after multivariable adjustment. These findings support the need to strengthen equitable access to culturally appropriate STI/HIV prevention, testing, linkage to care, and health promotion services for Venezuelan immigrant communities in Perú.