Prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Kuwait among male patients with sexually transmitted diseases

ABSTRACT

To determine HIV/AIDS prevalence among the non-Kuwaiti male patients with sexually transmitted disease [STD] attending the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh Special Health Care Clinic and to suggest relevant preventive programs. A sentinel surveillance was carried among all non-Kuwaiti male STD patients attending the Special Health Care Clinic in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh during the period of June to November 1997. The data was recorded on a pre-coded questionnaire. No HIV/AIDS case was found among the 599 screened STD patients. The 599 patients were predominantly Asians [51.8%] and Arabs [44.6%]. The majority of the subjects [70%] were in the 15-34 age group, were married [66%], had a primary/junior level of education [62%], were laborers [52.3%], had a low socio-economic status [91%], and lived in the Farwaniya Govemorate [97%]. The most common STDs were Gonorrhea [37%] and a combination of STDs [31%]. A large majority [88%] reported sexual contact with female prostitutes inside Kuwait. The absence of any HIV positive case was probably due to the mandatory screening required before the granting of a residency permit in Kuwait which, in turn, facilitates early detection of virus carriers among expatriates. This screening makes the possibility of the circulation of HIV within Kuwait remote. The data on sexual practices shows female prostitutes to be the reported sexual partners [88%], despite the fact that prostitution is illegal in Kuwait. The study found most STDs were associated with low socio-economic groups comprised of laborers with a low level of education who were probably unaware of the means of protection against the virus. Close monitoring and surveillance is necessary to prevent groups with risky behaviors from contracting the virus through sexual transmission. There is a distinct need to develop public education and awareness programs to serve as measures of prevention and protection