STIs

Question 1

By what degree can HSV and STS increase HIV acquisition?

Answer 1

3-fold increase

Question 2

In 2016, when 1 million pregnant were estimated to have active STS, what occurred in relation to birth outcomes?

Answer 2

350,000 adverse birth outcomes, of which 200,000 were stillbirths or neonatal deaths

Question 3

Why is it difficult to control the spread of STIs?

Answer 3

1. Lack of education
2. Asymptomatic nature
3. Stigma
4. Lack of access to diagnosis/treatment/prevention
5. Reluctance to use condoms
6. Difficulty in contact tracing
7. Poor treatment/follow-up compliance

Question 4

What are the primary prevention methods for STIs?

Answer 4

1. Safer sexual behaviours - monogamy, older age at sexual debut, abstinence
2. Safer sexual practices - e.g. use of condoms, non-penetrative acts

Question 5

What are the secondary prevention methods for STIs?

Answer 5

1. Promoting STI-seeking behaviour - availability/accessibility of condoms and treatment, public education campaign, de-stigmatisation of accessing such care
2. Rapid effective treatment
3. Asymptotic screening
4. PN
5. Education and focus on at risk groups