Concordance Between Laboratory Diagnosed Sexually Transmitted Infections and Self-Reported Measures of Risky Sex by Partner Type Among Rural Ugandan Outpatients

Abstract

Numerous HIV risk reduction interventions which show effects on sexual risk behaviors fail to find effects on STIs. We examined the concordance between laboratory diagnosed STIs and sexual risk behavior among Ugandan outpatients (n = 328). We screened for STIs and assessed sexual behavior at baseline and 6 month followup. Less risk was associated with an STI at baseline. At follow-up more unprotected sex with casual partners was associated with incident Syphilis, more unprotected sex with primary and secondary regular partners was associated with incident Chlamydia or Gonorrhea. Our results suggest ways to improve concordance between behavioral measures and STIs.