Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Chennai- A Cross Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5455/njcm.20210826070407Keywords:
Syphilis, Genital warts, MSM, HIV, anal sexAbstract
Background: MSM have a higher rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than women and men who only have sex with other women. The study objective is to find out how common sexually transmitted infections are prevalent among men who have sex with other men.
Methods:This is a descriptive cross sectional conducted among MSM visiting the STI clinics of Government Medical Colleges in Chennai district during the period of January 2018 to December 2020 till the required sample size of 600 was reached selected by purposive sampling method. Pre-tested structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was entered in MS Excel and analyzed by using SPSS version 22.
Results:Around 600 MSM attended the STI clinics, of which 49% were homosexual. Condom usage was 53% and 47% never used condom. Both oral and anal sex are common among MSM population. Unprotected sex is more common among them. STIs were seen in around 22% and HIV positive was 0.9% of MSM. The most common STIs among MSM was Syphilis, wart and genital ulcer.
Conclusions:This study reveals a high prevalence of STIs among MSM. This subgroup population of MSM can benefit from access to STI testing center and treatment at close intervals.
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