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

Abstract

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.