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Background: Young men who have sex with men and young transgender women (YMSM-YTW) use online spaces to meet sexual partners with increasing regularity, and research shows that experiences of racism online mimics the real world. Objective: We analyzed differences by race and ethnicity in web-based and mobile apps used to meet sexual partners as reported by Chicago-based YMSM-YTW in 2016-2017. Methods: A racially and ethnically diverse sample of 643 YMSM-YTW aged 16-29 years were asked to name websites or mobile apps used to seek a sexual partner in the prior 6 months, as well as provide information about sexual partnerships from the same period. We used logistic regression to assess the adjusted association of race and ethnicity with (1) use of any website or mobile apps to find a sexual partner, (2) use of a "social network" to find a sexual partner compared to websites or mobile apps predominantly used for dating or hookups, (3) use of specific websites or mobile apps, and (4) reporting successfully meeting a sexual partner online among website or mobile app users. Results: While most YMSM-YTW (454/643, 70.6%) used websites or mobile apps to find sexual partners, we found that Black non-Hispanic YMSM-YTW were significantly less likely to report doing so (comparing White non-Hispanic to Black non-Hispanic: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.74, 95% CI 1.10-2.76). Black non-Hispanic YMSM-YTW were more likely to have used a social network site to find a sexual partner (comparing White non-Hispanic to Black non-Hispanic: aOR 0.20, 95% CI 0.11-0.37), though this was only reported by one-third (149/454, 32.8%) of all app-using participants. Individual apps used varied by race and ethnicity, with Grindr, Tinder, and Scruff being more common among White non-Hispanic YMSM-YTW (93/123, 75.6%; 72/123, 58.5%; and 30/123, 24.4%, respectively) than among Black non-Hispanic YMSM-YTW (65/178, 36.5%; 25/178, 14%; and 4/178, 2.2%, respectively) and Jack'd and Facebook being more common among Black non-Hispanic YMSM-YTW (105/178, 59% and 64/178, 36%, respectively) than among White non-Hispanic YMSM-YTW (6/123, 4.9% and 8/123, 6.5%, respectively). Finally, we found that while half (230/454, 50.7%) of YMSM-YTW app users reported successfully meeting a new sexual partner on an app, Black non-Hispanic YMSM-YTW app users were less likely to have done so than White non-Hispanic app users (comparing White non-Hispanic to Black non-Hispanic: aOR 2.46, 95% CI 1.50-4.05). Conclusions: We found that Black non-Hispanic YMSM-YTW engaged with websites or mobile apps and found sexual partners systematically differently than White non-Hispanic YMSM-YTW. Our findings give a deeper understanding of how racial and ethnic sexual mixing patterns arise and have implications for the spread of sexually transmitted infections among Chicago's YMSM-YTW.

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Background Mycoplasma genitalium is implicated in genitourinary disorders in both men and women as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of M. genitalium and identify associated risk factors among women. Aim To investigate the prevalence of M. genitalium and identify various risk-factors associated with M. genitalium infection in women attending the clinic in Western Cameroon. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in hospitals from five districts of Western Cameroon on sexually active and non-menstruating women attending for antenatal, prenuptial and contraception consultations,between January 2020 and July 2020. Endocervical swabs (n = 680) were collected, and M. genitalium was detected using real-time PCR targeting the MgPa and pdhD genes. Results A total of 680 women, characterised by a mean age of 27.4 ± 7.5 years, were included in this study. The overall prevalence of the M. genitalium infection was 5.2%. Bivariate analysis revealed that having more than one sexual partner was independently associated with three times higher odds of prevalent M. genitalium infection (OR 2.9, 95% CI: 1.03-8.56). Limitation Cross-sectional design limits exploring temporal relationships with other STIs. Freezing specimens for a year until PCR testing may have compromised detection rates of M. genitalium. Conclusion This study contributes valuable data to the limited understanding of M. genitalium epidemiology. The findings may aid in the formulation of national clinical standards for testing and screening strategies, emphasising the importance of addressing associated risk factors in the targeted population.

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BACKGROUND: The primary reasons for labiaplasty usually revolve around aesthetic, sexual, and functional concerns. Upon delving deeper into these issues, it becomes apparent that sexual partners play a controversial role in influencing women's decisions to undergo surgery. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the impact of sexual partners on women's choices to pursue labiaplasty. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across electronic databases covering the period from January 2000 to February 2024. After removing duplicates, a total of 931 articles were retrieved by searching keywords in titles and abstracts. OUTCOMES: The meta-analysis revealed that 36.7% of women who sought labiaplasty cited their partners' negative comments as a factor influencing their decision. RESULTS: After applying the eligibility criteria and excluding irrelevant articles, a total of 12 articles involving 962 participants were included in the analysis. With the exception of 2 articles, the majority of the studies suggested a discernible influence of male partners on women's decisions to seek labiaplasty. Frequently, sexual partners are not the primary decision makers, nor do they exert significant pressure when it comes to seeking labiaplasty. In certain instances, women seeking labiaplasty acknowledged that their sexual partners did influence their decisions, either by making disparaging comments about their genitalia or by directly pressuring or requesting them to undergo labiaplasty. Additionally, women might opt for labiaplasty out of fear of their partner's negative remarks or to enhance sexual pleasure for their partners. For a more accurate result, a meta-analysis was conducted noting a considerable heterogeneity. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings of this study can be applied in prelabiaplasty counseling sessions to acknowledge and explore the role of the sexual partner in women's decision making. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This study stands as the inaugural systematic review examining the impact of sexual partners on women seeking labiaplasty, encompassing all original studies exploring the role of the sexual partner. However, a notable limitation lies in the varied interpretations of the sexual partner's role, that the heterogeneous nature of these interpretations poses a challenge to providing a more precise answer through meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of this systematic review, it is evident that sexual partners exert multifaceted influences on women's decisions to seek labiaplasty. While not serving as the primary decision makers, women opt for labiaplasty with the aim of enhancing attractiveness in sexual relationships and mitigating potential negative comments from their partners.

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BACKGROUND: In May 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released final guidance for blood donor eligibility that recommended the elimination of 3-month deferral for men who have sex with men (MSM) and the related deferral for women who have sex with MSM. In its place, FDA introduced an individual risk assessment policy of asking all presenting blood donors, regardless of sex or gender, if they have had a new partner or more than one sexual partner in the last 3 months and deferring those who also report anal sex (penile-anal intercourse) during this period. We modeled the possible impact of this policy on the US blood donor base. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We developed a computational model to estimate the percentage of blood donors who would be deferred under a policy of individual HIV risk assessment. The model incorporated demographic information about donors and national survey data on HIV risk behaviors and included age and sex distributions and dependencies. RESULTS: Our model estimates that approximately 1.2% of US blood donors would be deferred under the individual HIV risk assessment paradigm. DISCUSSION: The model predicts a relatively minor effect of replacing the time-based deferral for MSM with individual risk-based deferral for sexual behavior. As US blood centers implement this new policy, the effect may be mitigated by donor gains, which warrant further study. The new policy is unlikely to adversely affect the availability of blood and blood components.

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Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive global public health concern and a violation of human rights, particularly pronounced in conflict settings where it is often used as a tool of warfare to instill fear and control populations. Objective: Assessment of Magnitude, Associated Factors, and Health Consequences of GBV among women living in war-affected woredas of North Shewa zone, Ethiopia, 2022. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 845 randomly selected women living in conflict zones. Data on GBV experiences over the previous 3 months were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires developed from literature review. The collected data underwent validation, entry into EPI data, and analysis using SPSS. Findings are summarized using descriptive statistics, AOR and 95% confidence interval. Result: The magnitude of GBV in this study was (490, 58.0%) where, (466, 55.0%) psychological violence, (254, 30.1%) physical violence, and (135, 16.0%) reported sexual violence. A majority of the physical violence, (161, 63.4%), occurred during conflict period, with (143, 56.3%) of these cases involving armed forces, and (161, 63.4%) women experiencing physical violence in their homes. Urban Residence AOR = 2.65, CI, (1.82-3.89), Educational status of Secondary education AOR = 0.33, CI, (0.19-0.57, and ≥College AOR = 0.17, CI, (0.09-0.35), Occupation of Housewife AOR = 1.88, CI, (1.20-2.94), Private employee AOR = 6.95, CI, (3.70-13.04), Gov't employee AOR = 5.80, CI, (2.92-11.50), and others (Students) AOR = 3.46, CI, (1.98-6.01), Ever had sexual intercourse AOR = 0.46, CI, (0.25-0.83), Have heard about SRH AOR = 0.59, CI, (0.40-0.89), Have had previous GBV exposure AOR = 0.24, CI, (0.15-0.38), having a previous history of sexual violence AOR = 0.30, CI, (0.16-0.57), and Number of sexual partner AOR = 1.84, CI, (1.13-2.99) were identified to be associated factors of GBV in our study area. The most commonly reported consequences of GBV were Anxiety, depression, physical injuries, self-blame, women had school dropout, and abortion. Conclusion: The study reveals a higher prevalence of GBV, resulting in profound physical, social, mental, and reproductive health challenges for survivors. To address this, multi-sectoral cooperation is advised to enhance women's empowerment, access to information, and psycho-social support in affected areas. Furthermore, national policymakers are urged to implement preventive measures during conflict and establish legal mechanisms to ensure accountability for perpetrators.

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BACKGROUND: Partner Notification Service is among the strategies used to conduct targeted Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing Service by obtaining information about sexual contacts of index clients to refer for testing. But most people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus are still unaware of their status, including Ethiopia. Limited studies are available on the magnitude of partner notification service utilization and associated factors in Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of partner notification service utilization and associated factors among people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus attending anti-retroviral therapy clinics of public health facilities in Gimbi town, West Ethiopia. METHODS: A facility-based mixed-method cross-sectional study design was used. Total of 455 study participants were selected by systematic random sampling for quantitative data and health workers were purposively selected for qualitative data until saturation of ideas was reached. The study was conducted from December 1, 2022 to January 30, 2023. Structured questionnaires and key informant interview guides were used for data collection. Quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 25. Open code 4.02 software was used for qualitative data analysis. Frequencies and proportions were used to summarize descriptive statistics. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associated factors then variables with a p value < 0.05 were declared to have an association with the dependent variable. RESULT: Exactly 298 (65.5%) of the study participants were notified their HIV status to their sexual partners. Factors associated with Partner Notification Service Utilization were depression AOR: 0.12 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.20), urban settlers AOR: 2.21 (95% CI: 1.2, 3.83), fear of support loss AOR: 0.24 (95% CI: 0.14, 0.40) and intimate partner violence AOR: 0.55 (95% CI: 0.31, 0.97). From qualitative part of this study, factors associated to Partner Notification service utilization were fear of stigma, discrimination and fear of divorce. CONCLUSION: Two-third of the study participants were utilized partner notification service, and efforts are important to prevent depression and intimate partner violence. Local government bodies and stakeholders should implement economic strengthening and strategies to address the rural community for HIV/AIDS prevention. Promotion of supportive and inclusive environment for PLHIV should also considered as way to increase PNS utilization.

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BACKGROUND: Partner referral (or contact tracing) is an essential approach for preventing sexually transmitted infections. Even though this approach has been used in Ethiopia, there is a scarcity of evidence in Ethiopia particularly in this study area. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 397 patients with curable sexually transmitted diseases. Factors associated to the practice of sexual partner referral were explored where variables having a p-value of <0.05 in multivariable analysis were considered statistically significant. RESULT: Referrals for sexual partners were found to be 42.4% in this study (95% CI: 35.3, 45.3). Not expecting the end of the relationship among regular partnerships (AOR: 4.8; 95% CI: 1.9, 12.4), perceived risk of reinfection (AOR: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.8, 5.3), perceived self-efficacy (AOR: 3.8; 95% CI: 2.4, 6.3), intention to refer partners (AOR: 3.7; 95% CI: 2.0, 6.4), and knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (AOR: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.8, 5.0) were significantly associated with sexual partner referral. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that sexual partner referral was low. Perceived risks of reinfection, perceived self-efficacy, anticipating the end of a relationship, intention to refer partners, and knowledge of sexually transmitted infections were significant predictors of sexual partner referral. Intervention endeavors need to consider factors pointed out in this study to improve sexual partner referral.

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Approximately 15% of people with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa have comorbid depression, which impacts treatment outcomes. We describe predictors of baseline depressive symptoms in 1079 female and 1079 male participants in a cluster-randomized trial in Zambézia Province, Mozambique from November 2017 to December 2020. We modeled each partners' depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]) using proportional odds models adjusted for enrollment date, age, body mass index [BMI], partner's PHQ-9 score, district, relationship status, education, occupation, WHO HIV clinical stage, and antiretroviral therapy use history. A post hoc analysis assessed covariate-adjusted rank correlation between partner depressive symptoms. Females were younger than males (median 23 vs. 28 years) and more likely to report no education (20.7% vs. 7.9%). Approximately 10% screened positive for depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10). Partner depressive symptoms were predictive of higher participant PHQ-9 scores. A male partner PHQ-9 score of 10 (versus 5) increased the odds that the female partner would have a higher PHQ-9 score (adjusted odds ratio: 7.25, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 5.43-9.67). Partner PHQ-9 scores were highly correlated after covariate adjustment (Spearman's rho 0.65, 95% CI 0.57-0.72). Interventions aimed to reduce depressive symptoms and improve HIV-related outcomes during pregnancy should address both partners' depressive symptoms.

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We previously demonstrated that treating fetal lambs on gestational day 62 with the long-acting gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist degarelix (DG) suppresses pituitary-testicular function during midgestation. The objective of this study was to investigate whether impaired gonadotrophic drive during this fetal period has enduring effects on sexual differentiation and reproductive function in adult male sheep. We assessed the effects of prenatal administration of DG, with or without testosterone (T) replacement, on various sexually dimorphic behavioral traits in adult rams, including sexual partner preferences, as well as neuroendocrine responsiveness and testicular function. Our findings revealed that DG treatment had no effect on genital differentiation or somatic growth. There were some indications that DG treatment suppressed juvenile play behavior and adult sexual motivation; however, male-typical sexual differentiation of reproductive behavior, sexual partner preference, and gonadotropin feedback remained unaffected and appeared to be fully masculinized and defeminized. DG-treated rams showed an increased LH response to GnRH stimulation and a decreased T response to human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation, suggesting impaired Leydig cell function and reduced T feedback. Both effects were reversed by cotreatment with T propionate. DG treatment also suppressed the expression of CYP17 messenger RNA, a key enzyme for T biosynthesis. Despite the mild hypogonadism induced by DG treatment, ejaculate volume, sperm motility, and sperm morphology were not affected. In summary, these results suggest that blocking GnRH during midgestation does not have enduring effects on brain sexual differentiation but does negatively affect the testes' capacity to synthesize T.

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BACKGROUND: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal dysbiosis that often recurs following first-line antibiotics. We investigated if vaginal microbiota composition was associated with BV recurrence. METHODS: We analyzed samples and data from 121 women who participated in 3 published trials evaluating novel interventions for improving BV cure, including concurrent antibiotic treatment of regular sexual partners (RSPs). Women diagnosed with BV received first-line antibiotics and self-collected vaginal swabs pretreatment and the day after finishing antibiotics (immediately posttreatment). 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed on vaginal samples. Logistic regression explored associations between BV recurrence and features of the vaginal microbiota pre- and posttreatment. RESULTS: Sixteen women (13% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 8%-21%]) experienced BV recurrence within 1 month of treatment. Women with an untreated RSP were more likely to experience recurrence than women with no RSP (P = .008) or an RSP who received treatment (P = .011). A higher abundance of Prevotella pretreatment (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.35 [95% CI, 1.05-1.91]) and Gardnerella immediately posttreatment (AOR, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.03-1.49]) were associated with increased odds of BV recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Having specific Prevotella spp prior to recommended treatment and persistence of Gardnerella immediately posttreatment may contribute to the high rates of BV recurrence. Interventions that target these taxa are likely required to achieve sustained BV cure.

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Introduction: HIV serostatus disclosure is a fundamental HIV prevention and care strategy yet with a paucity of literature. This study comprehended the factors associated with HIV serostatus disclosure to sexual partners among young people aged 15-24 years on anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Methods: This explanatory sequential study utilized quantitative data from 238 young people who had been on ART for over 12 months and were sexually active for at least 6 months in seven districts of Central Uganda. Pearson's Chi-square and multinomial logistic regression analysis at α=0.05 was used to determine the factors associated with serostatus disclosure among study participants. Qualitative data from 18 young people were collected using an in-depth interview guide and analyzed thematically. Results: Non-disclosure was at 26.9%, one-way disclosure was at 24.4%, and two-way disclosure was at 48.7%. Participants who contracted HIV from their partners were three times more likely (RRR=2.752; 95% CI: 1.100-6.888) to have one-way disclosure than non-disclosure, compared to those who had a perinatal infection. Those who contracted HIV from their partners were twice more likely (RRR=2.357; 95% CI: 1.065-5.214) to have two-way disclosure than non-disclosure, compared to those who had a perinatal infection. Participants who stayed with their partners were four times more likely (RRR=3.869; 95% CI: 1.146-13.060) to have two-way disclosure than non-disclosure, compared to those who stayed with their parents. Young people disclosed because they were tired of secrecy and desired treatment adherence and did not disclose due to fear of stigma and losing their partners' support. Conclusion: Many sexually active young people on ART did not disclose their HIV-positive status to sexual partners mainly due to poverty, having multiple-sexual partners, and stigma. Interventions fighting stigma, multiple-sexual relationships, and poverty among sexually active young people on ART should be strengthened.

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Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at disproportionate risk for developing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV. Understanding the relationships among factors related to risky sexual behaviors, such as internalized homophobia, sexual sensation seeking, and individual and community norms, among MSM with different sexual partner types may contribute to designing targeted interventions for reducing risky sexual behaviors and STI transmission. We conducted a cross-sectional study recruiting 781 MSM in Sichuan Province, China. All participants were divided into groups with and without sexual partners, groups with regular and casual sexual partners, and groups with only male and both male and female partners in the past 6 months. Network analysis was used to analyze the relationships among dimensions of self-reported sexual sensation seeking, internalized homophobia, and social norms in different groups. Of 781 MSM, 606 (77.6%) had sexual partners in the past 6 months, and among these participants, 429 (70.8%) had casual sexual partners, and 103 (17.0%) had both male and female sexual partners. The complex and intensive relationships between dimensions were mainly observed in networks of MSM with any type of sexual partners, with individual norms (dimension of social norms) presenting strongly negative relationships with fresh feeling (dimension of sexual sensation seeking) and homosexuality morality (dimension of internalized homophobia). One dimension of sexual sensation seeking (i.e., fresh feeling) and two dimensions of internalized homophobia (i.e., homosexuality morality and self-identification) were relatively central variables in most groups, especially for those with casual sexual partners. Our study highlights the role of individual norms in restraining sensation seeking, internalized homophobia, especially among MSM with sexual partners. Intervention targeting these central variables may contribute to reduced risky sexual behaviors and further slow the spread of STIs in MSM.

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PURPOSE: This study explored how partners/spouses of people with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) experienced intimacy, sexual function, and sexual satisfaction post-SCI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the partners/spouses of people with SCI living in the community in the United Kingdom. Twelve participants (7 females; 5 males) were recruited using purposive sampling. A nine-item semi-structured interview design was used. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed via Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). RESULTS: Three superordinate themes were demonstrated: (1) Stolen sex through unpreparedness; (2) Redefining sex; and (3) Compromised commitment. Partners struggled to come to terms with the shock of radically altered post-SCI sexual relationships, questioning how their changed sexual relationship and sexual identity conflicted with caring requirements. To minimise post-SCI relationship changes, some partners engaged in strategies to protect against, distract from and avoid sexual intimacy, whereas others were able to retain adapted pre-injury patterns of intimate behaviour. CONCLUSION: Compromised sexual function and satisfaction significantly disrupt relationship dynamics post-SCI, initiate voluntary celibacy, and limit the perceived viability of continued sexual intimacy. Specialist partner-support provisions are urgently needed, recognising that partner support needs are not restricted to the inpatient rehabilitation phase but importantly extend long past discharge into the community.

Sexual function and satisfaction are highly challenging areas for partners post-spinal cord injury (SCI).Support and education for the partner must be incorporated into SCI rehabilitation to help with both adjustment and acceptance to changes in sexual functioning post-SCI.Partner contributions to and experiences of sexual function and satisfaction should be given more value, as these aid in the sustainability of healthy sexual relationships and psychological wellbeing following SCI.

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BACKGROUND: HIV status disclosure is one of the pillars of success of the elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (eMTCT) program. However, there are challenges associated with it that limit full disclosure. Literature shows that for pregnant women in developing countries, who have been diagnosed with HIV, 16% to 86% disclose their status to their sexual partners. This study explored the experiences of newly diagnosed HIV-infected antenatal women in disclosing their HIV status to their male sexual partners in Blantyre, Malawi. METHODS: This was a qualitative explanatory multiple case study that was conducted from 2018 to 2019 using in-depth interviews and diaries as data collection tools. We recruited seven newly diagnosed HIV pregnant women who had not disclosed their status to their male sexual partners and were initiated on Option B + strategy of the eMTCT of HIV at Limbe Health Centre. The investigator had 3 contacts with each participant from which data was gathered except for one participant who got lost to follow-up. This study employed content analysis and used a within-case and across-case analysis. RESULTS: Women either use facilitated mutual disclosure process or disclosed directly to their male sexual partners. Women were motivated to disclose because they wanted an HIV-free baby, to know the partners' status, and to resolve the gap on how they got infected with HIV. The disclosure process faced challenges such as uncertainty about a partner's reaction after disclosure, fear of relationship dissolution, and the soberness of the partner. Privacy was an important consideration during the process of disclosure. Following disclosure, male sexual partners either accepted the status immediately after disclosure or initially denied but later accepted. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that newly diagnosed HIV pregnant women accessing eMTCT services have a plan of either to disclose or conceal their HIV status from their male sexual partner and this decision is affected by the nature of relationship that exist between them and their partner. Factors relating to the unborn baby, the relationship as well as to know partners status motivate women to either disclose or conceal.

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Introduction: The prevention of vertical transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is the object of research by several authors, who reinforce the importance of knowing the serological status of a woman's sexual partner. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and serodiscordance of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis infections among women admitted to a maternity hospital in southern Brazil and their partners. Methods: 350 women and their partners were interviewed in a service-based cross-sectional study conducted from August 16 to November 23, 2018. Results: 4.0% of the women and 4.3% of the men had one of the infections studied. Among women, 2.0% already knew they were HIV positive, 2.0% had a positive rapid test for syphilis and there was no positive result for hepatitis B or C. A total of 299 (85.4%) partners were located. Of these, 293 (98.0%) agreed to answer the study questionnaire. Of all men interviewed, 281 (95.9%) agreed to undergo an rapid test. Among men, 1.4% already knew they were HIV positive and 0.4% had chronic hepatitis B disease. There was a similar percentage of men with a positive rapid test for syphilis and hepatitis C (1.4%). Regarding couples, 6.8% had some positive test. Most of the positive test subjects were in a serodiscordant relationship (16 serodiscordant couples and 3 positive concordant couples). Conclusion: These results reinforce the importance of testing men to prevent the infection of a negative partner and the vertical transmission of sexually transmitted infections. The high acceptance, by men, to undergo an rapid test at the time of the woman's hospitalization demonstrated the viability of this strategy in the maternity ward.

Introdução: A prevenção da transmissão vertical de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis é objeto de pesquisa de diversos autores, os quais reforçam a importância do status sorológico do parceiro sexual da mulher. Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência e a sorodiscordância de infecções por HIV, hepatite B, hepatite C e sífilis em mulheres internadas em uma maternidade localizada no Sul do Brasil e seus parceiros. Métodos: Foram entrevistadas 350 mulheres e seus parceiros em um estudo transversal de base de serviço realizado de 16 de agosto a 23 de novembro de 2018. Resultados: Do grupo consultado, 4,0% das mulheres e 4,3% dos homens apresentaram alguma das infecções estudadas. Entre as mulheres, 2% já sabiam ser HIV positivas e 2% apresentaram teste rápido positivo para sífilis. Para hepatite B ou C, não se registrou nenhum resultado positivo. Foram localizados 299 (85,4%) companheiros, destes, 293 (98,0%) aceitaram responder ao questionário do estudo. Do total de homens entrevistados, 281 (95,9%) concordaram em se submeter aos testes rápidos, entre eles, 1,4% já sabiam ser HIV positivos, 0,4% eram portadores crônicos de hepatite B e 1,4% apresentaram testes rápidos positivos para sífilis e hepatite C. Em relação aos casais, 6,8% possuíam algum teste positivo, a maioria (16) era formada de indivíduos sorodiscordantes e 3 de concordantes positivos. Conclusão: Esses resultados reforçam a importância da testagem masculina com a intenção de evitar a infecção do cônjuge negativo e a transmissão vertical das infecções sexualmente transmissíveis. A alta aceitação masculina de se submeter ao teste rápido durante a internação da mulher demonstrou a viabilidade dessa estratégia de testagem na maternidade.

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Background: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) management in sub-Saharan Africa is syndromic but molecular diagnostics provide quicker, sensitive diagnosis and treatment. Effective STD control hinges on identification and treatment of infected persons and sexual partner contact tracing. Objectives: This study assessed feasibility of using the Xpert CT/NG test to identify prevalent Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhea (NG) infections among STD clinic attendees and their sexual partners and tested for antimicrobial resistance for N. gonorrhea. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 4 outpatient STD clinics in Kampala, Uganda from February 2019 to October 2019. Participants received a syndromic diagnosis, were tested for NG and CT, as well as their sexual partners. Urine (men) and high vaginal swabs (women) were collected, examined using Xpert CT/NG assay. A total of 79 participants were enrolled at baseline of whom 25 had CT/NG. 21 partners of infected baseline participants and 7 partners of the 21 primary partners were enrolled. Results: The mean age of the reported sexual partners was 26 (18-43) years. The prevalence of NG was 25% at baseline and 18 % for CT. Nine (11.4%) people were dually infected. Men were more likely to have NG (p<0.001) at multivariable level. Two participants tested HIV-1 positive. On microbiological culture, 8 samples (2.5%) grew NG and all were resistant to penicillin, ciprofloxacin. For CT, we found a preponderance of the F-serovar in this population. Conclusion: The most prevalent organism was Neisseria gonorrhea. Generally, the prevalence of CT and NG was high. Infection proportions increased among primary partners, particularly women. Etiologic testing without partner tracing and treatment may underestimate burden of CT/NG in this population and contribute to re-infection.

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Background: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) management in sub-Saharan Africa is syndromic but molecular diagnostics provide quicker, sensitive diagnosis and treatment. Effective STD control hinges on identification and treatment of infected persons and sexual partner contact tracing. Objectives: This study assessed feasibility of using the Xpert CT/NG test to identify prevalent Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhea (NG) infections among STD clinic attendees and their sexual partners and tested for antimicrobial resistance for N. gonorrhea. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 4 outpatient STD clinics in Kampala, Uganda from February 2019 to October 2019. Participants received a syndromic diagnosis, were tested for NG and CT, as well as their sexual partners. Urine (men) and high vaginal swabs (women) were collected, examined using Xpert CT/NG assay. A total of 79 participants were enrolled at baseline of whom 25 had CT/NG. 21 partners of infected baseline participants and 7 partners of the 21 primary partners were enrolled. Results: The mean age of the reported sexual partners was 26 (18-43) years. The prevalence of NG was 25% at baseline and 18 % for CT. Nine (11.4%) people were dually infected. Men were more likely to have NG (p<0.001) at multivariable level. Two participants tested HIV-1 positive. On microbiological culture, 8 samples (2.5%) grew NG, and all were resistant to penicillin, ciprofloxacin. For CT, we found a preponderance of the F-serovar in this population. Conclusion: The most prevalent organism was Neisseria gonorrhea. Generally, the prevalence of CT and NG was high. Infection proportions increased among primary partners, particularly women. Etiologic testing without partner tracing and treatment may underestimate burden of CT/NG in this population and contribute to re-infection

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INTRODUCTION: In Ethiopia, the burden of HIV/AIDS is a public health issue that requires significant control of transmission. Once an infection has been established, determinants influence people living with HIV to disclose or not their HIV-positive status to sexual partners. This study assessed the proportion and associated factors of people living with HIV's disclosure status to sexual partners. METHODS: CRD42020149092 is the protocol's registration number in the PROSPERO database. We searched PubMed, Scopus, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar databases. For the subjective and objective assessment of publication bias, we used a funnel plot and Egger's regression test, respectively. The I2 statistic was used to assess variation across studies. Meta-analysis of weighted inverse variance random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled proportion. We conducted subgroup and sensitivity analyses to investigate the cause of heterogeneity and the impact of outliers on the overall estimation, respectively. A trend analysis was also performed to show the presence of time variation. RESULTS: The percentage of people living with HIV who disclosed their HIV-positive status to sexual partners was 76.03% (95% confidence interval: 68.78, 83.27). Being on antiretroviral therapy (adjusted odds ratio = 6.19; 95% confidence interval: 2.92, 9.49), cohabiting with partner (adjusted odds ratio = 4.48; 95% confidence interval: 1.24, 7.72), receiving HIV counseling (adjusted odds ratio = 3.94; 95% confidence interval: 2.08, 5.80), having discussion prior to HIV testing (adjusted odds ratio = 4.40; 95% confidence interval: 2.11, 6.69), being aware of partner's HIV status (adjusted odds ratio = 6.08; 95% confidence interval: 3.05, 9.10), positive relationship with partner (adjusted odds ratio = 4.44; 95% confidence interval:1.28, 7.61), and being member of HIV association (adjusted odds ratio = 3.70; 95% confidence interval: 2.20, 5.20) had positive association with HIV status disclosure. CONCLUSION: In Ethiopia, more than one-fourth of adults living with HIV did not disclose their HIV-positive status to sexual partners. HIV-positive status disclosure was influenced by psychosocial factors. A multidimensional approach is required to increase seropositive disclosure in Ethiopia.

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BACKGROUND: Repeat abortion is a significant public health problem in China. International knowledge about repeat abortion and its associated factors in Chinese women is scarce. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of repeat abortion among women seeking abortion services with unintended pregnancies in northwestern China and to identify factors associated with the repeat abortion from both two perspectives of abortion seekers themselves and their sexual partners. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted from May 1st to May 31st, 2020, in 90 medical institutions in Xi'an, the largest city in northwestern China. All women seeking abortions within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy were invited to participate in this survey; however, only those abortion seekers with unintended pregnancies were extracted and included in this study. Pearson's chi-squared tests, Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, and binary logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: Of 3397 abortion seekers, 56.6% (1924) were undergoing repeat abortions. Participants who were older than 30 years (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.08-1.73 for 31-35 years; 1.82, 1.29-2.57 for ≥36 years), received a low-level education (1.86, 1.42-2.43 for ≤senior high school; 1.46, 1.17-1.83 for junior college), were jobless (2.46, 1.18-5.13), had one child (1.54, 1.10-2.17), had a general (1.60, 1.28-1.98) or no (2.51, 2.02-3.11) cognition of possible adverse health effects of having abortions, and had used contraception at the time of conception, i.e., condoms (1.33, 1.09-1.61), withdrawal (1.43, 1.12-1.84), and emergency measures (1.48, 1.09-1.99) were more likely to undergo a repeat abortion. Besides, participants whose sexual partners were older than 30 years (1.33, 1.06-1.68 for 31-35 years; 2.13, 1.56-2.91 for ≥36 years), attained a low-level education (1.66, 1.28-2.15 for ≤senior high school; 1.38, 1.10-1.74 for junior college), received a high-level monthly income (1.34, 1.08-1.65 for ≥6001 Yuan), and had a weak or very weak willingness to use contraception (6.84, 2.42-19.33) were more likely to have a repeat abortion. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings highlight the problem of repeat abortion in China and suggest the need for government and civil society to increase efforts to reduce the risks of unintended pregnancy and repeat abortion in China. One approach may be to offer better access to reproductive health and contraception knowledge to women and their sexual partners and to promote their correct, consistent, and effective contraception practice.

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BACKGROUND: Risky sexual behavior increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted disease including HIV and other reproductive health problems. There have been varying assumptions and different reported result explaining the relationship between risky sexual behavior and wealth. This review was intended to examine the disparity of risky sexual behavior among the two extremes of wealth in sub-Saharan African countries. METHOD: This study reviewed demographic and health survey reports of sub-Saharan African countries. We excluded older reports and reports published in languages other than English. Finally, reports from 16 countries were considered for review. Data were entered in excel and transported to stata for analysis. Metaprop and Metan command were used to compute proportions and odds ratio. Standard chi-square and I square tests were used to assess heterogeneity. RESULT: Pooled prevalence of having multiple sexual partner ranges from 2 to 12%. Over 80% of the countries reported that more than half of the individuals did not use condom at their last risky sexual intercourse. Poorest females were 0.62 [OR: 0.62, 95% CI (0.50, 0.78)] times less likely to have multiple sexual partners than males. Both males and females from the poorest wealth quantile had higher odds of not using condom at their last risky sexual intercourse, 1.41 [OR: 1.41, 95% CI (1.29, 1.53)], 1.41 [OR: 1.46, 95% CI (1.23, 1.73)], respectively. CONCLUSION: Multiple sexual partners is relatively low in the region. Condom non-use is high in both genders. Additionally, poorest males and females were at higher risk of not using a condom at last risky sexual intercourse.

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