Abstract Background STIs, including syphilis, are a major public health concern in Nepal, and high prevalence is shown among young males, LGBT populations, and pregnant women. The prevalence of syphilis among attendees of antenatal care is 1.3%, though it was higher among the high-risk groupsDistribution of STIRisk factors in groups Methods A cross-sectional study of one year attended were screened for 200 subjects of genital skin lesions and syphilis. Data were analysed with SPSS. Results Out of the total number of screened individuals, 156 (3.3%) with genital lesions or serologically positive for syphilis were found. Of these, 116(2.9%) were males, 15(7.5%) were LGBT, and 25 (5%) were pregnant women. Among these, 54% of males (n=63), 73% of LGBT(n=11), and 60% of pregnant women (n=15) were diagnosed to have STIs. Specific conditions included:Genital warts:44% males(n=51), 53% LGBT(n=8), and 20% pregnant women(n=5). Scabies: 39% males(n=45), 27% LGBT(n=4), and 12% pregnant women (n=3). Syphilis: 8% males(n=9), 13% LGBT(n=2), and 28% pregnant women(n=7) Statistical analysis showed the following significant risk factors that contribute to STIs: Age ≤ 30 years :OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.78–3.38, p 0.001, Having multiple sex partners: OR = 3.12, 95% CI: 2.15–4.52, p 0.001, History of unprotected sexual exposure: OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 2.01–4.15, p 0.001, Being LGBT+:OR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.85–3.86,p 0.001, Pregnancy: OR = 3.45, 95% CI: 2.30–5.18,p 0.001. Conclusion The study showed the high burden of sexually transmitted infections, especially syphilis, among men, LGBT populations, and pregnant-women. Free laboratory, culture diagnostics, treatment through the Nepal health insurance program mark a significant stride forward in STI prevention and treatment. Acquisition efforts should focus on the reduction of stigma, increase awareness,and expansion via telemedicine. Reach and inclusion into the insurance-program remain critical social determinants to the realization of equity in access to health-care among marginalized populations Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures
Joshi et al. (Thu,) studied this question.