Screening for STIs: Results of a Health-Promotion Programme in a Portuguese University

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Sexual Health

Background:

• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) represent a significant and escalating public health challenge.
• Effective screening programs and awareness campaigns are essential for managing and reducing STI prevalence.
• A university in central Portugal initiated the 'Protection+' program to address sexual health within its community.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of the 'Protection+' health promotion program during the 2023-2024 academic year.
• To assess the prevalence of specific STIs and the impact of awareness campaigns on screening adherence.

Main Methods:

• Screening of 475 university community members.
• Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, and Mycoplasma genitalium.
• Immunological assays for Syphilis, HIV, HBV, and HCV.
• Evaluation of adherence to the health promotion program post-awareness campaigns.

Main Results:

• A total of 13.7% of participants were diagnosed with STIs.
• Chlamydia was the most prevalent STI (8.4%), followed by Mycoplasma genitalium (2.3%), Syphilis (2.0%), and Gonorrhoea (1.1%).
• HIV, HBV, and HCV infections were diagnosed in a small number of cases; Trichomonas vaginalis was not detected.
• Over half of diagnosed infections were asymptomatic.
• Awareness campaigns led to increased screening adherence and a subsequent rise in STI diagnoses.

Conclusions:

• The high prevalence of STIs, particularly Chlamydia, in the university population underscores the need for targeted screening.
• The significant proportion of asymptomatic infections emphasizes the critical role of regular STI screenings.
• The 'Protection+' program demonstrated the effectiveness of awareness campaigns in promoting STI screening and prevention.