Demographic and Behavioural Factors in Tanzanian and Norwegian Patients with Sexually Transmitted Infections

Abstract

To evaluate whether differences in demographic or behavioural factors might explain differences in reported or diagnosed sexually transmitted infections (STI), we have compared data from 1097 Tanzanian and Norwegian STI patients. Most demographic data were similar, whereas some behavioural data differed. Norwegian patients reported significantly higher numbers of sexual partners than Tanzanian. Thirty-three percent of Tanzanian patients tested positive for HIV antibodies, females more often (43%) than males (26%). Approximately one-third and two-thirds of the female HIV-positive Tanzanian STI patients had already seroconverted at the age of 25 and 30 years, respectively. The national differences encountered probably reflect cultural differences, different panoramas of STI and a lower accessibility to optimal health services in Tanzania. Lack of expected statistical associations between some of the data in the Tanzanian STI group might question the validity of the retrospectively collected data in this group, or indicate that questions not included in the questionnaire might be of importance.

Herpes Simplex Virus Infection and Genital Ulcer Disease Among Patients with Sexually Transmitted Infections in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

“…Retrospectively, we realise that the questionnaire could have been more precise, as the term "homosexual" could be interpreted as exclusively homosexual activity, but also as ever having experienced sex with same gender. Homosexual and bisexual preference taken together was reported in 2.6% (Table I), which is in line with results from a previous study in the same cohort (26). Even 2.6% is a rather low figure, and there may be cultural, religious or other reasons that might explain a tendency to hide a homosexual preference in Tanzania.…”

“…By accident, the sera were lost before being analysed for antibodies against HSV-1, HSV-2 and T. pallidum. However, in a similar cohort of patients with STI in Dar es Salaam we have recently observed antibodies against HIV-1 in 33% (F 43%, M 26%) and against HSV-2 in 70% (F 77%, M 66%) (26,27). Furthermore, in that cohort there was a strong and statistically significant association between HSV-2 seropositivity and HIV infection.…”

Stability of glycoprotein gene sequences of herpes simplex virus type 2 from primary to recurrent human infection, and diversity of the sequences among patients attending an STD clinic

“…Prevalence of HSV-2 infections shows geographical variation and marked differences from one demographic group to another (reviewed in 1). It is high among prostitutes [10,11], related to number of sexual partners and to exposure to other sexually transmitted diseases [12,13]. The average prevalence is 17% in USA [14] and varies between 7% and 31% among European adults [1].…”

“…The average prevalence is 17% in USA [14] and varies between 7% and 31% among European adults [1]. There is a well-documented relationship between infections with HSV-2 and HIV-1 [12,15-17]. HSV-2 seropositivity increases the risk for HIV acquisition by a factor of 3 [15].…”