Behavioural risk factors of men associated with transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: Unprotected sex is a major risk factor for transmission of sexually transmittedinfections (‎STIs)‎. We explored the behavioural risk factors for STIs among men who presentedwith STI-related symptoms.Methods: A systematic sample of 112 males presenting with STI symptoms at district sexuallytransmitted disease (‎STD)‎ clinic located in Kandy, Sri Lanka were enrolled during 2009. They wereinterviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Selected sexual behaviours were discussedwith them in greater detail. The chi-square and difference-in-two-proportion tests were used fortesting the statistical significance for quantitative data, and qualitative methods were used for theanalysis of responses to open-ended questions and in-depth discussion.Results: The median age of the respondents was 28 years. The majority of them (‎56%)‎ hadnever been married. The median age at the first sexual intercourse was 22 years. The majority(‎87%)‎ of respondents had their first intercourse before marriage; mostly with older females. Most(‎103, 92%)‎ men reported having sexual intercourse during the past six months; of them, 40.8%had sex with multiple partners. Only 18.5% used condoms at the first premarital intercourse. Theconsistent use of condoms with non-marital partners during the past six months was only 13.7%.Common reasons for non-use of condoms were: belief that partner was faithful; poor knowledgeabout risk of unprotected sex; view that condoms reduce pleasure and negatively affect intimacy;and inhibition in accessing condoms in public.Conclusions: Sexual behaviours were found to be risky among men attending STD clinics inSri Lanka. Strategies of sexual health promotion among vulnarable groups should be evaluatedfor planning proper interventions.