Objective: To identify predictors of recurrent sexually transmitted infecti
ons (STIs)
Design: A cross-sectional interview survey.
Setting: STD Clinic, Old Mulago Hospital, Kampala,
Methods: Eligible patients answered questions about their socio-demographic
situation; STI symptoms; sexual behaviour; sexual partner referral; health
seeking behaviour and whether they had a recurrent infection or not. Bivar
iate and multivariate stepwise logistic regression models were used to iden
tify independent predictors of recurrent STIs.
Results: Fifty two (38%) out of 138 patients had recurrent STIs, On bivaria
te analysis the predictors of recurrent STIs were: being male; age greater
than or equal to 25 years; inability to read in English; presenting with ge
nital itching; attributing source of symptoms to sexual partner; not being
asked to refer sexual partners at previous treatment site; having more than
five lifetime partners; knowing how to use a condom; ever using a condom;
and using a condom at least once in the previous three months. On multivari
ate analysis, independent risk factors for recurrent infection were: age gr
eater than or equal to 25 years(Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 2.70, 95 % CI 1
.20, 5.88); inability to read English AOR = 3.09, (95 % CI 1.38, 6.92); and
having more than five, lifetime partners AOR = 2.56 (95 % CI 1.11, 5.88).
Conclusion: Reducing the number of sexual partners and targeting people who
do not speak English with health education messages in the local language
may reduce the frequency of recurrent STIs.