Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Patients on Antiretroviral Treatment at Adama Hospital Medical College, Adama, Ethiopia

ABSTRACTBackgroundSexually transmitted infections (STIs) are an infections or clinical syndromes caused by microorganisms that can be acquired and transmitted via sexual contact. Sexually transmitted infections are a major public health problem worldwide that cause acute illness, long-term complications, infertility, medical as well as psychological consequences, and death. Moreover, it facilitates the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). To develop policies and strategies targeted at preventing and controlling illnesses, research on sexually transmitted infections in general and among people with HIV in particular is crucial.Objectiveto determine the prevalence and associated factors of sexually transmitted infections among human immunodeficiency virus patients in antiretroviral treatment clinic in Adama Hospital Medical College (AHMC), Adama, Ethiopia, 2022.Methodsan institution-based, retrospective cross-sectional study design among 376 HIV patients in Anti-retroviral treatment clinic in AHMC was conducted on January-February, 2022. Study participants were selected using a systematic sampling. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and was taken from individual cards with a prepared checklist. The collected data was processed and analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25.0. Descriptive statistical analyses were done to define the characteristics of the participants. Variables with p-value ≤0.25 in the bivariable analyses were entered into the multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with STIs. Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was computed and variable with a p-value less than 0.05 was declared as statistically significant variable.Resultsamong 376 HIV positive patients 39 (10.37%) have STI and among them, 66.7% were female patients. Those under 35 years had 3.03 times more STI (aOR=3.03; 95% CI: (1.3, 6.66)) than those above 35 years. Those with CD4 of <500 had 11.7 times (aOR-=11.7; 95% C: (4.6, 30)) more STI than those with CD4 of > 500. Those with multiple sexual partners had 9.2 times (aOR=9.2; 95% CI: (2.7, 30.8)) more STI than those without multiple partners.Conclusionthe study revealed among 376 HIV-positive patients 39(10.37%) have STI and 337 (89.63%) have no STI. Age (lower age group), having multiple sexual partners, and lower CD4 count were the factors significantly associated with STIs. Thus, we recommend health workers should take time in counseling ART patients about STI in every visit.