Curable Sexually Transmitted Infections Among a Population of South African Nonhealth Seeking Men Who Have Sex With Men Who Were Invited for Screening-A Brief Report

Background: This study assessed sexually transmitted infection (STI) results among nonhealth-seeking men who have sex with men (MSM) who had not previously screened for curable STIs. Methods: Secondary data analysis of a sample of 164 MSM who were STI infection na & iuml;ve was performed. Data were collected in the Clinical Research Unit (MeCRU) among the MSM in the Tshwane North area, South Africa. Results: Over half of the sample (58.5%; n = 96) were in casual relationships, 81.7% (n = 134) had reported testing for HIV in the previous 3 months, and 68.9% tested positive for STIs. Logistic regression revealed that the odds of a positive STI test result were significantly higher among those who had reportedly tested for HIV in the previous 3 months compared to those who had not (OR = 2.43; 95% CI = 1.06-5.69). Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of STI among nonhealth seeking MSM and STI diagnosis was associated with having tested for HIV in the previous 3 months. It is, therefore, important to offer regular STIs screening services to the MSM community.