Risk factors associated with a high incidence of sexually transmitted infections in Beitbridge, Zimbabwe.
Anelle Siziba, Wilfred N Nunu, Nicholas Mudonhi and 4 others
PMID 35924615WHAT IT FOUND
In a Zimbabwe border town, STI cases were 22 times more likely to trade sex for money, 7.56 times more likely to have multiple partners, and 3.7 times more likely to skip condoms than controls.
Unemployment and living in the high-density suburb also raised risk.
Key findings
01Cases were 22 times more likely to be involved in sexual activities for monetary gains compared to controls.
02Cases were 7.56 times more likely to have had at least two sexual partners compared to controls.
03Cases were 3.8 times more likely to lack formal employment and 2.78 times more likely to reside in the high-density suburb of Dulibadzimu compared to controls.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The sample size was small (30 cases), which may limit the precision of the odds ratios. The study relied on self-reported data for sensitive behaviours like sex work and condom use, which may be subject to social desirability bias. The cross-sectional nature of the data collection cannot prove causation, only association. The study excluded people who had lived in the town for less than 6 months, which may miss risks associated with transient populations in a border town.
Declared interests
No specific funding sources or conflicts of interest were declared in the provided text.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the high odds ratios for transactional sex and multiple partners as proof that these behaviours cause STIs in all populations. This is an association found in a specific border-town context with small sample sizes and self-reported data.