ABSTRACT
Context: Very few studies have compared the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and risk factors particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM) with the non-MSM group. Aims: (1) To compare the profile of STIs among MSM and non-MSM attending our STI clinic, (2) To identify the risk factors for STIs among MSM. Subjects and Methods: In this comparative cross-sectional study, we analyzed the records of all male attendees of our STI clinic from March 2015 to March 2020 for demographic details, sexual history, clinical examination and laboratory findings. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test and logistic regression were utilized in analysis. Results: The number of both MSM and non-MSM attending the clinic increased over 5 years with a more sharp increase in the number of MSM, after 2017. 68.9% of MSM had their first sexual contact before attaining 20 years of age. The most common STIs were syphilis (53.75%), genital warts (30%) and herpes genitalis (20.62%). Syphilis was the most frequent STI among MSM (48/74, 64.90%) as well as non-MSM (38/86, 44.20%); though its frequency was significantly more among MSM (P < 0.01). Being unmarried (odds ratio [OR] = 3.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.85-6.93, P < 0.01), having more than two sexual partners (OR = 4.49, 95% CI = 2.12-9.50, P < 0.01), practising peno-oral sex (OR = 4.74, 95% CI = 2.33-9.62, P < 0.01) and peno-anal sex (OR = 19, CI = 8.55-42.38, P < 0.01) were significantly associated with MSM behavior. Conclusions: There was an increasing trend of MSM attending the STI clinic from the year 2017. MSM persons are likely to be younger, unmarried, and have more than two sex partners. The commonest STI among MSM was syphilis.
ABSTRACT
CONTEXT: Lifestyle factors such as tobacco smoking and alcohol use can affect the presentation and course of psoriasis. There is a paucity of data on this subject from India. AIMS: To find out whether increased severity of psoriasis in adult Indian males is associated with tobacco smoking and alcohol use. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Cross-sectional study in the Department of Dermatology of a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Male patients above 18 years of age attending a psoriasis clinic between March 2007 and May 2009 were studied. Severity of psoriasis (measured using Psoriasis Area and Severity Index - PASI) among smokers and non-smokers was compared. We also studied the correlation between severity of psoriasis and nicotine dependence (measured using Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence) and alcohol use disorders (measured using Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-AUDIT). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Z-test, Odd's ratio, Chi-square test, Spearman's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Of a total of 338 patients, 148 were smokers and 173 used to consume alcohol. Mean PASI score of smokers was more than that of non-smokers (Z-test, z = -2.617, P = 0.009). Those with severe psoriasis were more likely to be smokers (χ(2) = 5.47, P = 0.02, OR = 1.8, Confidence Interval 1.09-2.962). There was a significant correlation between PASI scores and Fagerström score (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.164, P < 0.01). Mean PASI scores of persons who used to consume alcohol and those who did not were comparable.(Z-test, z = -0.458, P = 0.647). There was no association between severity of psoriasis and alcohol consumption.(χ(2) = 0.255, P = 0.613, Odds Ratio = 1.14, CI 0.696-1.866). There was no correlation between PASI scores and AUDIT scores (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.024, P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Increased severity of psoriasis among adult males is associated with tobacco smoking, but not with alcohol use.
