Risk Factors for STIs Among Youth in Zimbabwe
Author Information
Author(s): Kevin Martin, Ethel Dauya, Victoria Simms, Tsitsi Bandason, Steven Azizi, Anna Machiha, Tinei Shamu, Primrose Musiyandaka, Tinashe Mwaturura, Suzanna C Francis, Constance R S Mackworth-Young, Joanna Busza, Constancia Mavodza, Mandi Tembo, Richard J Hayes, Katharina Kranzer, Rashida A Ferrand, Chido Dziva Chikwari
Primary Institution: The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
What are the risk factors for curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among youth in Zimbabwe?
Conclusion
The prevalence of STIs among youth in Zimbabwe is high, particularly among those with HIV, and addressing broader risk factors like mental health and employment is essential.
Supporting Evidence
- 62.5% of participants were female.
- HIV prevalence was 6.3% among participants.
- 19.8% of participants tested positive for at least one STI.
- Factors associated with STIs included being female, older age, and having multiple sexual partners.
- Previous suicide attempts were linked to higher STI prevalence.
- Low levels of condom use were reported among participants.
Takeaway
Many young people in Zimbabwe have sexually transmitted infections, and things like not having a job or feeling sad can make it more likely.
Methodology
A population-based survey was conducted among randomly selected 18–24 year-olds in 16 communities across two provinces in Zimbabwe, using questionnaires and STI testing.
Potential Biases
Potential under-reporting of sensitive issues like transactional sex and suicide attempts.
Limitations
Social desirability bias may have affected self-reported data, and the sensitivity of urine samples for STI testing is lower than that of vaginal swabs.
Participant Demographics
{"female":3500,"male":2101,"median_age":20,"age_range":"18-24"}
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 18.7% to 20.8%
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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