ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of gonorrhoea and knowledge about sexually transmitted infections in a farming community. DESIGN: Cross sectional study. SETTING: Commercial farming area, Zimbabwe. SUBJECTS: 1,005 individuals aged between 15 and 60 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence rates, knowledge of gonorrhoea and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by age and sex. RESULTS: Knowledge of gonorrhoea and other STIs was higher while knowledge of AIDS was lower among males than females. Frequency of past history of STIs in five years was significantly higher among males than females (OR 3.22; 95% CI 2.45 to 4.25). Physical examination revealed that 14% of males and 22% of females had other STIs besides gonorrhoea. The prevalence of gonorrhea was 18.4% (95% CI 16.0 to 20.8) and was higher among females than males (OR 2.77; 95% CI 1.97 to 3.90). Thirty one percent of the gonorrhoea infections were due to penicillinase producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings emphasize the disparity between knowledge and practices with regards to STIs, and the importance of STIs as potential targets for and indices in the fight against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
PIP: A cross-sectional study of 1005 males and females 15-60 years of age from a commercial farming community (Hippo Valley Sugar Estates) in Zimbabwe investigated knowledge and prevalence rates of gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Although over 70% of respondents were aware of gonorrhea, only 45.5% were knowledgeable about AIDS. Males had higher knowledge of gonorrhea and other STIs than females, but lower knowledge of HIV/AIDS. 47% of subjects had a history of an STI in the 5 years preceding the study. The frequency of such a history was significantly higher among males compared to females (odds ratio (OR), 3.22; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.45-4.25). Physical examination indicated that 20.5% of males and 37.9% of females had signs of STIs. The majority of STI cases affected men in the 20-29 year age group and women 30-39 years of age. Gonorrhea prevalence was 18.4% and significantly higher among females than males (OR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.97-3.90). 31% of gonorrhea infections were associated with penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Since STIs have been associated with increased transmission of HIV, these infections should be targeted for campaigns aimed at reducing the disparity between knowledge and practices. Moreover, examination of the prevalence of STIs such as gonorrhea is a quick way of assessing the impact of HIV control measures in a community.
