A high rate of chlamydial infection was found in this population. Chlamydia infection is associated with aerobic vaginitis.

IntroductionThe present research aims to fill a gap in the national and international literature concerning prevalences and factors related to STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) in Women who Have Sex with Women (WSW).MethodsIt is a cross sectional, analytical and non-radomized study with 100 WSW from Botucatu - SP and surrounding regions who answered the call from social media, mass communication means, health services and friends or acquaintances from January to November,2015. Data was obtained by the researchers involved in the main study, through interviews, blood tests to diagnose HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B and cervical sample collection to investigate Chlamydia Trachomatis, Neisseria Gonorrhoeae, HPV through PCR and oncotic cytology to screen Trichomonas vaginalis. Associations were estimated by multiple regression.ResultsTotal prevalence of STI was 35%, chlamidia infection (3.3%), HIV infection (2.0%), Trichomonas vaginalis (1.1%) and syphilis (1.0%). Neisseria Gonorrhoeae and Hepatites B were not found. The factors associated to STI were: to be single, [OR=3,76 (CI:95%: 1.14–12.43); p=0030], use of sex toys [OR=3,87(CI:95%: 1.14–13.16); p=0030], and number of male partners in the previous year [OR=7,99 (CI:95%: 1.51–42.44); p=0015].ConclusionConsidered as whole, these data lead to conclusion that the individuals of this study presented high vulnerability to STI/AIDS, as shown by the high prevalence of STI. This study clearly shows the need for a specific health assistance to these women, promoting prevention and education in a holistic approach.

IntroductionThe present research aims to fill a gap in the national and international literature concerning prevalences and factors related to Bacterial vaginosis (VB) in Women who Have Sex with Women (WSW).MethodsIt is a cross sectional, analytical and non-radomized study with 128 WSW from Botucatu - SP and surrounding regions who answered the call from social media, mass communication means, health services and friends or acquaintances from January to November,2015. Data was obtained by the researchers involved in the main study, through interviews ang gynaecological exam. The diagnostic of VB was abteined through gram staining. Associations were estimated by multiple regression.ResultsThe prevalence of BV was 41,1%% and factors associated were vaginal douching [OR=3,29 (IC:95%: 1,26–8,59) p=0014] and sex toys use[OR=2,34 (IC:95%: 1,00–5,50); p=0049].ConclusionConsidered as whole, these data lead to conclusion that the individuals of this study presented high vulnerability to STI/AIDS, as shown by the high prevalence of VB. This study clearly shows the need for a specific health assistance to these women, promoting prevention and education in a holistic approach.

Introduction Literature points to a scarcity of studies on sexual health and risk behavior of women who have sex with women (WSW) living in low- and middle-income countries, reporting lack of knowledge, high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI), and low incidence of consistent use of protective barriers. Objective Analyze knowledge of WSW on STI and AIDS. Methods Cross-sectional study developed in São Paulo state, Brazil. The intentional sample consisted of 182 women (55 WSW and 127 women who have sex only with men - WSM). Data were obtained from April to December 2019 through a questionnaire with questions related to the sociodemographic variables and the validated instrument Sexually Transmitted Disease Knowledge Questionnaire (STD-KQ), which has 28 questions adapted to Brazilian Portuguese in order to assess knowledge on STI/AIDS. The percentage of correct responses in function of sexual orientation, correcting the confounding effects, was adjusted by using a multiple linear regression model. The analyses were performed using the software SPSS 22.0. This research was approved by the ethics committee under protocol number 3.320.951. Results Out of the 182 participants, those self-reported as white (79%) and the ones living with their partner (81%) were predominant. The median age was 26 years old (18-48) and the median number of completed years of studies was 14 (1-24). As for their knowledge on STI/AIDS, the average percentage of correct answers was 63%, which on average was 12% lower among WSW compared to WSM. Conclusions The data in the present research indicate the importance of implementing public policies concerning the sexual and reproductive health of WSW, especially aiming at knowledge on STI/AIDS and ways to prevent them. Key messages Importance of implementing public policies concerning the sexual and reproductive health of women who have sex with women. Scarcity of studies on sexual health and risk behavior of women who have sex with women.