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11th Annual Conference Of The British HIV Association [BHIVA]20–23 April 2005, Burlington Hotel·Dublin·Ireland |
[AUTHOR(S):] JA Cassell, CH Mercer, L Sutcliffe, MG Brook, E Jungmann, J Ross, G Kinghorn, J Stephenson, A M Johnson on behalf of the PATSI collaboration
Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Royal Free and University College Medical School, University College London, London, UK
BHIVA Conf 2005 Apr 20-23;11:O12A
BACKGROUND: Delayed access to services and sexual contact while symptomatic may increase STI transmission.
AIM: To determine the extent of ongoing sexual contact in symptomatic patients, whether symptoms influence sexual behaviour at this time, and the impact of symptom resolution on health care seeking.
METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to approximately 8000 patients in 8 sexual health clinics and linked to preliminary clinical data.
RESULTS: 38.8% of men and 42.9% of women with acute symptomatic STI continued sexual intercourse after symptoms began, by contrast with 46.3% of men and 61.2% of women with no acute STI. Among symptomatics, 7.7% of men and 0.7% of women had had more than one sexual partner. Symptom duration was (7 days at clinic visit in 64.3% of men and 66.7% of women with an STI, of whom 22. 4% of men, and 42.9% of women had self-treated. 22.4% of men and 36.7% of women with STI would no longer seek care if symptoms resolved.
CONCLUSIONS: Our data reinforce the need for rapid access to diagnostic and treatment services, for all patients and not just ‘high risk’ groups. Health promotion should emphasize the need for individuals to seek rapid care and cease sexual activity when an STI is suspected.
PRESENTING AUTHOR: CH Mercer
2005-04-20
O12A
Copyright © 2005 - British HIV Association (BHIVA) Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the BHIVA Organising Secretariat 1 Mountview Court, 310 Friern Barnet Lane, London N20 0LD