Age-related variation in sexual behaviours among heterosexual men residing in Brazil, Mexico and the USA

Abstract

Objective To compare the prevalence of demographic characteristics and sexual behaviours across age groups and to estimate their significance in predicting sexual risk factors by age cohort. Methods This cohort study examined sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence among heterosexual men in Brazil, Mexico and the USA (N=3047). Participants completed a sexual risk factor questionnaire and were tested for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and genital herpes. We examined sexual risk in the study population through a composite measure of STI positivity by age cohort (young: 18–30 years; middle-aged: 31–44 years; older: 45–70 years). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to generate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results We found that STI positivity varied significantly by age group among heterosexual men by a number of covariates. In younger men, having more advanced education had a protective effect (16 years: AOR=0.37, 95% CI 0.15–0.92), whereas higher numbers of sexual partners elevated the risk for STIs (20–49 partners: AOR=2.06, 95% CI 1.04–4.06; ≥50 partners: AOR=4.33, 95% CI 1.74–10.76). Middle-aged men who were black (AOR=1.64, 95% CI 1.10–2.42) and divorced/separated/widowed (AOR=1.91, 95% CI 1.21–3.02) had an increased risk for a positive STI test. Among older men, a younger age at first vaginal sexual encounter (AOR=3.75, 95% CI 1.45–9.74) and a history of exchanging sex for money or drugs heightened STI risk (AOR=2.30, 95% CI 1.0–5.04). Conclusions These findings demonstrate that age-related life experiences among heterosexual men influence sexual risk and STI transmission. This topic warrants further investigation to support the development and implementation of targeted interventions that may potentially reduce adverse sexual health outcomes.

Factors associated with sexually transmitted infections in sugarcane cutters: subsidies to caring for*

“…As in other STI studies, a positivity gradient for STIs was observed with advancing age, with individuals over 40 years of age presenting five times more chance of positivity for any of the infections investigated when compared to those under 30 years of age. This result probably reflects lifetime exposures (35)(36) .…”

Sífilis em jovens conscritos brasileiros, 2016: aspectos sociodemográficos, comportamentais e clínicos

“…É possível aproximar os dados do estudo brasileiro de pesquisa realizada nos Estados Unidos 11 , que mostrou maior incidência do agravo entre homens pretos jovens, na faixa etária de 20 a 29 anos. August et al 12 identificaram que, entre os homens mais jovens (18-30 anos), os brasileiros têm sete vezes mais chances de obter resultado reagente para uma IST (herpes genital, clamídia, gonorreia e/ ou sífilis) quando comparados aos norte-americanos.…”

“…Aproximadamente 16% dos conscritos iniciaram a vida sexual com menos de 14 anos e também registraram maior prevalência de sífilis, em contraponto àqueles com uma iniciação mais tardia. August et al 12 mostraram que, dos 3.047 participantes de seu estudo, a maior parte (43,8%) iniciou a atividade sexual entre 15 e 17 anos. Aqueles cuja iniciação sexual ocorreu aos 14 anos ou antes tiveram duas vezes mais chances de apresentar teste reagente para uma IST.…”