Wagner HU, Peralta A, Edwards M, Godi E, Kitson-Piggott W, Lewis J, Tiwari T; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 1998; 12: 1144 (abstract no. 60783).

Carribean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC)/GTZ, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

BACKGROUND: STD control in Guyana is hampered by limited diagnostic facilities. In order to develop clinical management guidelines, the prevalence of (Ng) and (Ct) infections and their association with social characteristics were investigated in STD patients and asymptomatic family planning clients in Georgetown, Guyana. METHODS: 207 consecutive STD clinic attenders (M = 112; F = 95) with genital discharge (GD: 73%), ulcer (GU: 20%), or both (7%), and 200 female family planning clients were interviewed and examined. Genital swabs were tested for Ng and Ct by DNA probe. Only STD patients were tested for syphilis by RPR, confirmed by TPHA. RESULTS: Among the STD patients, Ng was diagnosed in 44/112 M (39.3%) and 7/95 F (7.4%), Ct in 8 M (7.1%) and 10 F (10.5%). One M had dual infection. 70% of M and 25% of F with GD (GU: 5% and 10%) had Ng or Ct infection. 18% were RPR/TPHA+ve: M 11.8%, F 26.5%; GD 14.3%, GU 28.6%. Condom use at last sex contact was below 20%. 40% of M (F: 16%) reported a new sex partner in the last 2 months. Those with Ng/Ct were younger than those without, reported less education (F only), a younger age at first sex (M only), more sex partners in the past 12 and 2 months, and less condom use at the last sex contact (F only). Infected M were less likely to have regular partners while infected F tended to be married or have a visiting relationship. Ng/Ct infection was not associated with self-perceived STD risk, STD last 12 months, or syphilis reactivity. Among the 200 FP attenders, 4 (2%) had Ng and 8 (4%) Ct. Only 14% had used condoms recently, none of whom was infected. In this group none of the risk factors was significantly associated with Ng/Ct infection. DISCUSSION: In Guyanese STD clinic attenders, Ng infection is more common than Ct, though only in males. Several social and behavioural factors were significantly associated with infection. These can be used to construct a risk index. No such associations were found among asymptomatic female FP clients who showed a worrying Ng/Ct infection rate of 6%. Simple screening assays are needed. High rates of unsafe sexual practices underline the need to intensify behavioural change efforts.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Ambulatory Care Facilities
• Communicable Diseases
• Condoms
• Family Planning Services
• Female
• Guyana
• Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
• Humans
• Male
• Prevalence
• Risk Factors
• Risk-Taking
• Safe Sex
• Sexual Partners
• Syphilis
• organization & administration

Other ID:

• 98410402

UI: 102232731

From Meeting Abstracts