Incidence and laboratory diagnosis of sexually-transmitted infections among university students in a high-prevalence community. Issue 2 (12th February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sienkiewicz, Laura; Thomas, Yazmine; Reynoso, Alyssa; Munson, Erik
• Is Part Of: Journal of American college health. Volume 71:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 571
• Page End: 577
• Publication Date: 2023-02-12
• Subjects: Chlamydia trachomatis -- college/university students -- Mycoplasma genitalium -- sexually-transmitted infection -- transcription-mediated amplification; College students -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; College students -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; College students -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services -- Periodicals; 362.10883781980973
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1899185
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0744-8481

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of four sexually-transmitted infection (STI) agents among university students. Participants : A total of 1744 Milwaukee, Wisconsin metropolitan area student encounters at two university health clinics. Methods: Following consent, participants completed an eight-item demographic and behavioral questionnaire and provided a specimen for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Mycoplasma genitalium RNA testing. Results: C. trachomatis (7.2%) and M. genitalium (6.7%) detection rates were highest, with C. trachomatis more likely to result in symptomatic infection in males and females. Female M. genitalium detection rates did not differ as a function of symptomatic status. Students identifying as African American were more likely to test positive for M. genitalium than other races/ethnicities. M. genitalium detection in both genders was a function of reported condom usage. Conclusions: Students would benefit from familiarity with emerging STI agents, as well as behaviors associated with increased risk of STI.