The Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Related Factors Among People Living with HIV in Turkey

Abstract

Introduction: People living with HIV (PLWH) have a higher incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than the general population due to the mode of transmission. Through this study, we analyzed the prevalence of STIs among PLWH, and identified the sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral risk factors associated with the occurrence of infections. By this, we can design preventive strategies and raise awareness among clinicians and PLWH. Materials and Methods: We included PLWH aged ≥18 years and were admitted to an infectious diseases clinic between 2018 and 2020 in this prospective descriptive study. Data was obtained from participants using an epidemiological questionnaire including their sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics. Furthermore, they were tested for Treponema pallidum, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus using ELISA, and for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) using multiplex PCR. We recruited 200 PLWH amongst whom 106 (53%) were men having sex with men (MSM) and 69 (34.5%) were heterosexual men. Results: We noted that 25.5% of the participants had at least one STI. These include syphilis (19.5%), infection with MG (3.5%), infection with TV (2%), gonorrhea (1%), and infection with CT (1%). The prevalence of syphillis was significantly higher among MSM (p<0.05). Factors associated with having syphilis were inconsistent condom use, being single, having a history of STIs, and having multiple partners (p<0.05). Factors associated with having the other four STIs (CT, NG, MG, and TV) were low education level and being MSM. The rate of STIs among PLWH was higher in MSM subgroup. Furthermore, those who had a history of STI were at a higher risk of acquiring new STIs. Conclusion: Strategic preventive and screening programs against STIs should be organized among PLWH to curb the rising prevalence of STI in Turkey.

Keywords

• people living with hiv
• sexually transmitted diseases
• syphilis