Factors Associated with Syphilis Infection in Men Who Have Sex With Men in Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic, Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 1, Chiang Mai
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/taj.2023.4Keywords:
Factors, Syphilis, Men who have sex with menAbstract
Currently, syphilis infection is increasing, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). The purpose of this study was to investigate factors associated with syphilis infection among MSM in a sexually transmitted infections (STIs) clinic. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. The data was retrieved from medical records of MSM treated at the STIs clinic of ODPC1, Chiang Mai from 2018-2021. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, two-way analytical statistics and multiple logistic regression. The results showed there were 791 MSM. Most of them were aged between 15-34 years (78.8%) with a high educational level from diploma (high vocational certificate) or higher (57.0%). It was found that 47.8% reported having more than 1 sexual partner in the past three months. Additionally, 66.9% were found to be infected with syphilis, while 24.5% had HIV, and 24.5% had other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Those with an educational level lower than a vocational certificate were found to have 2.2 times higher risk of syphilis infection (AOR=2.21, 95%CI=1.47-3.33). Those who reported irregular use of condom were found to have a 2.2 times higher risk of syphilis infection compared to those who reported regular use of condoms (AOR=2.15, 95%CI=1.43-3.23). Among those who were not diagnosed with other STDs, syphilis infection was 29.2 times higher compared to those who were diagnosed with other STDs (AOR=29.16, 95%CI=18.30-46.46). This study reveals that men who have sex with men who come to the STIs clinic had a very high rate of infections of HIV, syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases. Factors associated with syphilis infection were irregular use of condoms, lower level of education and not being diagnosed with other STDs. Therefore, it is essential to educate and encourage MSM to use condoms every time and every route of sexual intercourse regardless of educational level together with routine syphilis screening service for all MSMs.
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