%0 Journal Article
%T Risk behaviours and prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and HIV in a group of Dominican gay men, other men who have sex with men and transgender women
%A David Hodge
%A Leonel Lerebours
%A Maximo O Brito
%A Shaveta Khosla
%A Yeycy Donastorg
%A Zachary Pope
%J -
%D 2015
%R 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-007747
%X Objectives The objectives of this study were to estimate the point prevalence of sexually transmitted infection (STI) and to investigate the sexual practices and behaviours associated with STIs in a group of gay men, other men who have sex with men and transgender women (GMT) in the province of La Romana, Dominican Republic.

Design A cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of GMT persons.

Setting The study was conducted in the province of La Romana, Dominican Republic, in June¨CJuly 2013.

Participants Out of 117 GMT persons screened, a total of 100 completed the study. Participants had to be at least 18£¿years of age, reside in La Romana and have had sex with another man in the preceding 12£¿months. All participants were interviewed and tested for STI.

Primary outcome measure The main outcome of interest was the detection of any STI (HIV, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), syphilis, hepatitis B or C) by serology.

Results Among 100 participants, the median age was 22£¿years (range 18¨C65). One-third had consumed illicit drugs the preceding year and only 43% consistently used condoms. Prevalence was 38% for HSV-2, 5% for HIV and 13% for syphilis. There were no cases of hepatitis B or C. Factors associated with the odds of a STI were age >22£¿years (OR=11.1, 95% CI 3.6 to 34.5), receptive anal intercourse (OR=4.2, 95% CI 1.3 to 13.6) and having ¡İ2 male sexual partners during the preceding month (OR=4, 95% CI 1.3 to 12.5).

Conclusions In this group of GMT persons, seroprevalence of STI was high, and a number of risk behaviours were associated with STI. These preliminary data will help inform policy and programmes to prevent HIV/STI in GMT persons in the region
%U https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/4/e007747