IDIAPJGol analyzes the factors associated with repeated sexually transmitted infections in Barcelona

In recent years, the frequency of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has increased, as has the number of people with multiple infections. For this reason, a study was proposed with the aim of describing the epidemiological characteristics of people with repeated STIs and determining the risk factors for these episodes in people living in Barcelona for ten years (2007-2018).

The data is from the Barcelona Public Health Agency and researchers from this institution also participated. The study is based on all cases of bacterial STIs included in the Barcelona STI registry and include syphilis, gonorrhea and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). The analysis was stratified by sex and place of birth. 

Of 9,927 people diagnosed with bacterial STI, 17.0% (1,690) had at least two STI episodes during the study period. Among the most important results, it stands out that there is  an increased risk of repeated STIs in young (under 34 years) gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, and transgender or transsexual women (GBHSHT), in people with HIV infection, and in people with a first diagnosis of gonorrhea and LGV. 

Respect for the country of birth, although other studies relate a higher incidence of various STIs in the city of Barcelona in the population born abroad, in our study having a repeated STI was associated with being born in Spain. This result is probably due to the fact that HIV underdiagnosis is more frequent in the immigrant population (GBHSHT) in Catalonia. On the other hand, some studies have also shown that the immigrant population faces a greater number of barriers to accessing health services, experiences greater discrimination and has other problems that increase their vulnerability.

“To prevent recurrences of STIs, we suggest reinforcing programs  to these groups of young population diagnosed with a first STI,” says Constanza Jacques, principal investigator. This means the active involvement of the area of ​​education and health professionals in the promotion of sex-affectivity. Furthermore, these programs should integrate the structural and social determinants that begin with school age. Programs should also consider the needs of this population from the perspective of the diversity of sex-gender identities and with an anti-racist approach. “Knowing these data and how to manage sex within the framework of pleasure and risk are important challenges for professionals and general citizens,” concludes Jacques.

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