What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to assess the prevalence of self-reported STIs among adolescents and adults in Zambia and Zimbabwe over multiple years.

March 25, 2026BMJ OpenOpen Access

Self-reported sexually transmitted infections among adolescents and adults in Zambia and Zimbabwe: evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys, 2005–2018

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

Analysis of STI prevalence in adolescents and adults, indicating differences by country and demographic factors.

The study aims to assess the prevalence of self-reported STIs among adolescents and adults in Zambia and Zimbabwe over multiple years.
Analyzed six rounds of Demographic and Health Surveys from 2005 to 2018.
Included 86,366 participants aged 15–59 who ever had sex.
Used logistic regression and descriptive statistics to evaluate data.
Adjusted for sociodemographic and sexual behavior characteristics.
Higher self-reported STI prevalence in Zimbabwe compared to Zambia.
In Zambia, reported STIs increased from 6.2% in 2007 to 7.1% in 2018.
In Zimbabwe, reported STIs decreased from 11.7% in 2005/2006 to 8.3% in 2015.
STI prevalence linked to marital status, HIV status, and number of sexual partners.
Older age at sexual debut associated with lower STI prevalence among adolescents and boys.

Rotsaert et al. (2026) studied this question.

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark