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High risk behaviors and sexually transmitted infections among men in Tanzania

Musie Ghebremichael1, Elijah Paintsil

  • 1Department of Biostatistics, Harvard University School of Public Health & Dana Farber Cancer Center, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115, USA. musie@jimmy.harvard.edu

AIDS and Behavior
|July 29, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Nearly half of men in Tanzania have sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Risk behaviors like multiple partners and alcohol abuse increase STI odds, highlighting the need for targeted prevention programs.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Understanding the link between risk behaviors and STI prevalence in men is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the association between specific risk behaviors and the prevalence of various STIs among men in the Moshi district of Tanzania.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 794 randomly selected men.
  • Interviews were conducted to gather data on risk behaviors.
  • Blood and urine samples were tested for STIs, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), herpes simplex virus (HSV-2), syphilis, chlamydia, trichomonas, and mycoplasma.

Main Results:

  • Approximately 46% of participants tested positive for at least one STI.
  • Prevalence included HIV-1, HSV-2, syphilis, chlamydia, trichomonas, and mycoplasma infections.
  • Key risk factors associated with higher STI odds were multiple sexual partners, casual sex, alcohol abuse, and older age.

Conclusions:

  • Modifiable risk behaviors are significantly associated with STI prevalence in men in this region.
  • STI prevention strategies in sub-Saharan Africa must incorporate interventions targeting these identified behaviors.

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