Risk factors associated with gonorrhea and chlamydia transmission in selected health facilities in Ghana
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Date
2019-04-26
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC Infectious Diseases
Abstract
Background: Understanding the underlying epidemiology that shapes Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC), and Chlamydia
trachomatis (CT) infections can contribute to data driven policies directed towards curbing the proliferation of these
pathogens in Ghana. Information on the symptoms and risk factors for STIs will help to identify high-risk individuals
which will in turn inform STI syndromic management and tailor the use of public health resources.
Methods: Participants were from 4 military clinics and 1 civilian STI clinic in Ghana and eligible if they had symptoms
suggestive of STI. First void urine samples were collected and tested with Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT). A
structured questionnaire was administered to all participants. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors
associated with infection, separately for NG and for CT and for men and women.
Results: A total of 950 patients, 58% of whom were females were enrolled, 28% had gonorrhea and 11% had
chlamydia with more males testing positive than females. Reported symptoms that were more common among
patients who tested positive for gonorrhea were painful urination and urethral discharge (all P values < 0.05).
Additionally, multiple sexual partners and alcohol use were statistically associated with higher rates of gonorrhea in
males while only the frequency of condom use was associated with gonorrhea for females. None of the symptoms or
risk factors except marital status was associated with testing positive for chlamydia.
Conclusion: Identifying these symptoms and risk factors help inform health care delivery systems for STIs in Ghana.
Furthermore, men and women presenting with these symptoms and risk factors are a prime target for public health
education campaigns, aimed at curbing the spread of gonorrhea and chlamydia infections.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Ghana, Risk factors, STIs