Objective: Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), are common among adolescents and young adults (AYA). The present study aimed to examine the prevalence of NG and CT among AYA using a targeted strategy for high-risk populations and to explore associated risk factors for these Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at an STI clinic in Bangkok. The inclusion criteria were 1) aged between 15 to 24 years, 2) engaging in anal sex, and 3) at high risk of STI acquisition, such as more than three sex partners in the preceding six months having symptoms of urethritis or proctitis. STI screening was performed using pooled specimens collected from urethral, anal, and throat swabs. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for NG and CT were performed using GeneXpert assays. Results: Between May 2023 and April 2024, 150 Thai AYA with a median age of 22 years (IQR 20 to 23) were enrolled. Forty-four participants (29.3%) presented with symptomatic STIs, 23 (15.3%) were living with HIV. The overall prevalence of NG or CT was 38.7% (95% CI 30.8 to 47.0). The prevalence of NG and CT were 21.3% (95% CI 15.1 to 28.8) and 23.3% (95% CI 16.8 to 30.9), respectively. Factors associated with NG infection were being both insertive and receptive sex partners (adjusted prevalence ratio aPR 3.1, 95% CI 1.2 to 7.5) and diagnosed with STIs in the preceding year (aPR 2.6, 95% CI 1.0 to 6.5) while factors associated with CT infection was living with HIV (PR 2.7, 95% CI 1.0 to 7.0). Conclusion: About one-thirds of AYA who have anal sex had NG or CT infections. Reporting sexual roles as both insertive and receptive partners, a previous diagnosis of STI in the preceding year, and living with HIV increased the likelihood of having STIs. Targeted screening among AYA with these profiles should be considered.
A Wed, study studied this question.