Point and Lifetime Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Based on the Definitions of the Iranian Syndrome Surveillance System: A Hospital-Based Survey

Abstract

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are among the most common infectious diseases and a globally concerning public health issue, especially in developing countries. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the syndrome-based point and lifetime prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in a big Iranian city. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 on a hospital-based random sample of 2107 people (men and women aged 15 - 50) at Marvdasht Central Hospital (Iran). Results: The lifetime prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) was significantly higher in women than in men (81.56% vs. 33.60%, P-value < 0.0001). Also, about 20.7% of men and 48.26% of women had at least one of the STIs-associated syndromes at the time of the interview (instantaneous prevalence) (P-Value = 0.001). Conclusions: The estimated prevalence of syndromes associated with sexually transmitted infections is alarmingly high. The results emphasize the need for further studies on effective health care and health promotion services to reduce STIs (including early detection and treatment of infections and public education).