Pattern of sexually transmitted diseases and risk factors among women attending an STD referral clinic in Nairobi, Kenya

Background: In Kenya, sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics care for l arge numbers of patients with STD-related signs and symptoms. Yet, the etio logic fraction of the different STD pathogens remains to be determined, par ticularly in women. Goal: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of STDs and of c ervical dysplasia and their risk markers among women attending the STD clin ic in Nairobi, Study Design: A cross-section of women were interviewed and examined; sampl es were taken. Results: The mean age of 520 women was 26 years, 54% had a stable relations hip, 38% were pregnant, 47% had ever used condoms (1% as a method of contra ception), 11% reported multiple partners in the previous 3 months, and 32% had a history of STDs, The prevalence of STDs was 29% for HIV type 1, 35% f or candidiasis, 25% for trichomoniasis, 16% for bacterial vaginosis, 6% for gonorrhea, 4% for chlamydia, 6% for a positive syphilis serology, 6% for g enital warts, 12% for genital ulcers, and 13% for cervical dysplasia, Facto rs related to sexual behavior, especially the number of sex partners, were associated with several STDs, Gonorrhea, bacterial vaginosis, cervical dysp lasia, and genital warts or ulcers were independently associated with HIV i nfection. Partners of circumcised men had less-prevalent HIV infection. Conclusion: Most women reported low-risk sexual behavior and were likely to be infected by their regular partner. HIV and STD prevention campaigns wil l not have a significant impact if the transmission between partners is not addressed.