Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevalence Among Women at Risk for HIV Exposure Initiating Safer Conception Care in Rural, Southwestern Uganda. Issue 8 (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chitneni, Pooja; Bwana, Mwebesa Bosco; Owembabazi, Moran; O'Neil, Kasey; Kalyebara, Paul Kato; Muyindike, Winnie; Musinguzi, Nicholas; Bangsberg, David R.; Marrazzo, Jeanne M.; Haberer, Jessica E.; Kaida, Angela; Matthews, Lynn T.
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted diseases. Volume 47:Issue 8(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; Sexual health -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001197
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-5717

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Knowledge of sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence and risk factors is important to the development of tenofovir-based preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and safer conception programming. We introduced STI screening among women at risk for HIV exposure who were participating in a safer conception study in southwestern Uganda. Methods: We enrolled 131 HIV-uninfected women, planning for pregnancy with a partner living with HIV or of unknown HIV serostatus (2018–2019). Women were offered comprehensive safer conception counseling, including PrEP. Participants completed interviewer-administered questionnaires detailing sociodemographics and sexual history. We integrated laboratory screening for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis as a substudy to assess STI prevalence. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine correlates. Results: Ninety-four women completed STI screening (72% of enrolled). Median age was 30 (interquartile range, 26–34) years, and 94% chose PrEP as part of safer conception care. Overall, 24% had STIs: 13% chlamydia, 2% gonorrhea, 6% trichomoniasis, 6% syphilis, and 3% ≥2 STI. Sexually transmitted infection prevalence was associated with younger age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77–0.99), prior stillbirth (AOR, 5.04; 95% CI, 1.12–22.54), and not feeling vulnerable to HIV (AOR, 16.33; 95% CI, 1.12–237.94). Conclusions: We describe a 24% curable STI prevalence among women at risk for HIV exposure who were planning for pregnancy. These data highlight the importance of integrating laboratory-based STI screening into safer conception programs to maximize the health of HIV-affected women, children, and families. Abstract : This study describes a 24% curable sexually transmitted infection prevalence among HIV-affected women planning for pregnancy in Uganda, highlighting the importance of integrating sexually transmitted infection screening into safer conception care.