BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A cross-sectional survey of sexually transmitted disease (STD) patients assessed sexual activity and condom use during the time between STD symptom onset and clinic attendance. STUDY DESIGN: Patients were asked to report sexual activity and condom use while STD symptoms were present. Medical records were abstracted for diagnoses. RESULTS: The study population (n = 3025) was predominately African American (75.3%) and male (63.5%), with a mean age of 28.1 years. Sexual activity while experiencing STD symptoms was reported by 39.7% of 2,508 symptomatic patients, 17.2% of whom reported always using a condom. Logistic regression models identified the significant independent determinants of sexual intercourse while symptomatic were duration of symptoms before clinic visit [0-7 days versus 8 or more days, OR = 5.9]; race [African American versus other races (primarily Hispanics), OR = 2.1]; and gender [men versus women, OR = 1.5]. Older age [> or = 30 years versus 18-29 years, OR = 1.5] and higher education attainment [> or = high school versus > high school, OR = 1.5] were the significant factors associated with reporting always using a condom. CONCLUSION: These data suggest patient groups with behaviors likely to enhance STD transmission could be targeted for educational messages.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A cross-sectional survey of sexually transmitted disease (STD) patients assessed sexual activity and condom use during the time between STD symptom onset and clinic attendance. STUDY DESIGN:Patients were asked to report sexual activity and condom use while STD symptoms were present. Medical records were abstracted for diagnoses. RESULTS: The study population (n = 3025) was predominately African American (75.3%) and male (63.5%), with a mean age of 28.1 years. Sexual activity while experiencing STD symptoms was reported by 39.7% of 2,508 symptomatic patients, 17.2% of whom reported always using a condom. Logistic regression models identified the significant independent determinants of sexual intercourse while symptomatic were duration of symptoms before clinic visit [0-7 days versus 8 or more days, OR = 5.9]; race [African American versus other races (primarily Hispanics), OR = 2.1]; and gender [men versus women, OR = 1.5]. Older age [> or = 30 years versus 18-29 years, OR = 1.5] and higher education attainment [> or = high school versus > high school, OR = 1.5] were the significant factors associated with reporting always using a condom. CONCLUSION: These data suggest patient groups with behaviors likely to enhance STD transmission could be targeted for educational messages.
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Keywords:
Americas; Barrier Methods; Behavior; Clients; Condom; Contraception; Contraceptive Methods; Delivery Of Health Care; Demographic Factors; Developed Countries; Diseases; Family Planning; Health; Health Facilities; Infections; North America; Northern America; Organization And Administration; Outpatient Clinic; Population; Population Characteristics; Program Activities; Programs; Reproductive Tract Infections; Research Report; Risk Behavior; Sex Behavior; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; United States; Urban Population
Authors: Kristal J Aaron; Barbara Van Der Pol; Stephen J Jordan; Jane R Schwebke; Edward W Hook Journal: Sex Transm Dis Date: 2019-05 Impact factor: 2.830
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Authors: Ruthie Birger; John Saunders; Claudia Estcourt; Andrew John Sutton; Catherine H Mercer; Tracy Roberts; Peter J White Journal: Sci Rep Date: 2017-11-23 Impact factor: 4.379
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