Sexual orientation and behavior: A cross-sectional study of STI patients at Vietnam hospital of dermatology and venereology

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major global public health concern. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sexual orientation and sexual behaviors among patients diagnosed with STIs. Understanding this relationship is essential for clinical practice at the National Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology, as it informs individualized risk assessment, counseling, and preventive interventions across diverse patient populations. In addition, such evidence contributes to the development of targeted STI-prevention strategies that are both culturally appropriate and clinically effective. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 451 STI patients at the Vietnam National Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology from May to December 2024. Data on patient demographics, sexual orientation, and specific sexual behaviors were collected and analyzed. Results: The mean age of participants was 28.73 ± 6.55 years (male:female ratio = 1.73). Syphilis (55.2%), human papilloma virus (HPV; 22.8%), and gonorrhea (20.6%) were the most prevalent STIs. The study found significant associations between sexual orientation and various behaviors. Specifically, heterosexual orientation was associated with non-oral (odds ratio [OR] = 3.01, p = 0.04) and non-anal intercourse (OR = 24.1, p < 0.001). Conversely, homosexual orientation was significantly linked to oral sex (OR = 3.02, p = 0.03), anal intercourse (OR = 22.79, p < 0.001), and lubricant use (OR = 6.2, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study highlights a strong correlation between sexual orientation and specific sexual behaviors, including oral sex, anal intercourse, and lubricant use, among STI patients. These findings are crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies and counseling programs for at-risk populations.