Search

qObjectives. This study sought to define, among sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic attendees, (1) patterns of sex partner selection, (2) relative risks for gonococcal or chlamydial infection associated with each mixing pattern, and (3) selected links and potential and actual bridge populations. Methods. Mixing matrices were computed based on characteristics of they study participants and their partners. Risk of infection was determined in study participants with various types of partners, and odds ratios were used to estimate relative risk of infection for discordant vs concordant partnerships. Results. Partnerships discordant in terms of race/ethnicity, age, education, and number of partners were associated with significant risk for gonorrhea and chlamydial infection. In low-prevalence subpopulations, within-subpopulation mixing was associated with chlamydial infection, and direct links with high-prevalence subpopulations were associated with gonorrhea. Conclusions. Mixing patterns influence the risk of specific infections, and they should be included in risk assessments for individuals and in the design of screening, health education, and partner notification strategies for populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Records of the sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic visits of 12,728 patients in Columbus, Ohio were analyzed to better understand the behavior patterns of these patients. Among heterosexual men a greater proportion of Blacks than Whites reported a previous history of urethritis. After controlling for previous STD among heterosexual men with discharge or dysuria, we found that Black men sought treatment sooner and were more likely to curtail sexual activity than White men after becoming symptomatic with gonorrhea or nongonococeal urethritis (NGU). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women who have multiple sexual partners in a short time period are appropriate targets for sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention. We analyzed survey data collected in 1988 from a nationally representative sample of 8450 American women aged 15 to 44 to identify markers of such behavior. Among sexually active persons, 0.4% of married women and 8.4% of unmarried women had two or more sexual partners in the 3 months preceding the interview; unmarried marital status, early age at first sexual intercourse, lack of religious affiliation, and young age were associated with this behavior. All except young age were predictive after multivariate analysis. Such factors may help define women at elevated STD risk and allow better targeting of STD prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We used the 1978 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to examine the prevalence of positive syphilis serologies in the US population. Analysis of risk markers--gender, age, marital status, education, income, and residence--indicates that all except gender are associated with syphilis seroreactivity, independent of race. Controlling for associated risk markers, the Black-White odds ratio of syphilis seroreactivity is 4.7 (95% CI = 2.7, 8.2). Current knowledge of racial differences in sexual and health care behavior does not explain the Black-White difference in the prevalence of syphilis seroreactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Based on a nationally representative sample of American women of reproductive age, in 1982, one in seven reported having had pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). One in ten had received ambulatory care, and one in 25 were hospitalized for PID. A two-fold race differential was observed in self-reported history of PID. One in four Blacks compared to one in eight Whites reported having received treatment for this conditions sometime in the past. The previous history of PID, especially in the older age groups. reflects the combined effect of secular trends in PID incidence and temporal changes in diagnostic and treatment practices. (Am J Public Health 1985:75:1216-1218.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We analyzed data from a national telephone survey to determine whether awareness of the herpes epidemic led to changes in sexual behavior. Of those surveyed. 67 per ¢ heard about herpes only within the last two years. More important]y, 45 per ¢ of individuals perceiving themselves to be al risk stated they had changed their behavior as a result or' this perception. Among those never married. 60 per ¢ slated they were willing to modify their lives to avoid genital herpes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used traditional crude population denominators and four different definitions of sexual activity to calculate progressively more refined gonorrhea rates among reproductive age women. Refining denominators to take sexual activity into account had the largest impact on morbidity rates for young women. Traditional denominators severely underestimate gonorrhea rates in teenagers, and understate the real magnitude of gonorrhea risk among sexually active teenagers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented about a study on gonorrhea rates among sexually active men in the U.S.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Gonorrhea Rates: What Denominator is Most Appropriate?," by S.O. Aral, J.E. Schaffer, and W.D. Mosher in the 1988 issue.